[intro music playing]
[Cena] Then.
[Ric] Whoo!
[The Rock] If you smell…
[Cena] Now.
[Roman] Acknowledge me.
[Triple H] The king of kings.
[Cena] You can't see me.
Forever.
Together.
[crowd cheering]
[dramatic music playing]
[narrator] On this global stage
in a triple main event
who will be victorious?
Who will leave…
as a champion?
[Triple H] A champion…
is always on.
It's a 24/7, 365 state of mind.
[Michael] The pressure is unrelenting.
The stakes
are beyond high.
[Roman] At Night of Champions,
Solo and I do what we always do, we represent.
[Heyman] The undisputed tag team titles
come home to The Bloodline.
[Sami] Roman, you manipulator.
You want these championships,
you can't have them.
[Triple H] Being a champion is more than a way of life.
It is your life.
And, man…
can it change your life.
[Michael] Seth Rollins, AJ Styles,
one of these men will be crowned the new World Heavyweight Champion.
[Triple H] With the eyes of the world watching,
history calls.
And the answer will be deafening.
[Brock] Cody Rhodes.
[tense music playing]
Look at this face.
I want to fight.
[Graves] Brock Lesnar has unfinished business with Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes has sustained serious damage to his left arm.
[Cody] I am going to fight…
[Cody] …Brock Lesnar.
[tense music playing]
[Triple H] In this kingdom…
this is what it's all about.
Are you ready?
I said…
are…
you…
ready?
This…
is a Night
of Champions.
[narrator] And now, live from the Jeddah Super Dome
in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
WWE presents Night of Champions.
[fireworks exploding]
[singer] ♪ I'll be your prizefighter ♪
♪ I ain't ever gonna tire ♪
♪ Gonna face that fire all night ♪
♪ I'm gonna win ♪
[Michael] From the banks of the Red Sea, the cradle of civilization,
we welcome you to a night that can shape the future direction
of WWE.
You are looking live at the Jeddah Super Dome in Jeddah,
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A capacity-crowd expected,
where tonight we celebrate with three main events
at WWE Night of Champions.
And the first of those main events starts right now
with a brand-new World Heavyweight Championship.
A title that has an eagle on it.
A tribute to the legendary winged championship.
The McMahon family crest and a crown
to pay homage to Bruno Sammartino.
[singer] ♪ Gonna face that fire all night ♪
[Michael] Hello, again, everybody.
And at ringside from Friday Night SmackDown on Fox,
I'm Michael Cole.
From Monday Night Raw on USA, he is Corey Graves.
It is a night where we will experience a triple main event
with repercussions that will echo around the globe.
It's a lot to handle.
So to help us shoulder a little bit of the load,
please welcome our Arabic announce team
of Jude Al-Dajani and Faisal Al-Mughaisib.
[speaking Arabic]
["Phenomenal" playing]
[Graves] Cole, are you ready to Crown a new champion?
[Michael] Cannot wait.
The first of three main events.
["Phenomenal" playing]
[singer] ♪ No, they don't want none They looking scared ♪
♪ No, they don't really want none ♪
♪ We some southern boys ♪
♪ With the farmer strength ♪
♪ Ain't nobody man enough To feel the pain ♪
♪ And you could be next ♪
[Michael] AJ Styles missed four months with injury earlier this year.
The longest stretch of his entire career.
And, Corey, during that time,
AJ said he started thinking about the future
and how long he had left in WWE.
And if this would be his last opportunity,
his last moment to become champion.
[Graves] I have zero doubt in AJ's ability
to focus on a singular task.
That task tonight, becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion.
And you mentioned AJ's time away from the ring,
I have to wonder will it at all affect the stamina
of The Phenomenal One as he goes head-to-head
with another generation-defining superstar.
[singer] ♪ No, they don't want none ♪
♪ They don't want none ♪
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
♪ They looking scared No, they don't really want none ♪
[Graves] I spoke to AJ earlier in the afternoon.
He said…
[fireworks crackle]
[Graves] …he left the OC in the United States
because if he wants to represent WWE as a champion,
he should be able to handle business on his own two feet.
[Michael] The new championship designed with history in mind.
Paying homage to the McMahons,
Bruno Sammartino,
and the 60-year history of WWE.
[rapper] ♪ Do it with our hands muddied ♪
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
[Michael] AJ Styles versus Seth Rollins.
One of these men will be crowned the new World Heavyweight Champion
at Night of Champions.
[Styles] Here it is.
An opportunity
to be the World Heavyweight Champion.
[Rollins] This is an opportunity for us
to push the industry forward.
We make history.
This World Heavyweight Championship, this is it, man.
This is our moment to do something special.
[Styles] Seth Rollins is great,
but I want it more than the air that I breathe.
[Rollins] I have nothing but the utmost respect for AJ Styles,
but no one can touch me right now.
[Graves] Two generation-defining athletes
competing for the World Heavyweight Championship.
This match is going to be talked about for years.
[singer] ♪ Do it with our hands muddied ♪
♪ No, they don't want none ♪
[Graves] There's a feeling in the air tonight, Cole.
We could be on a precipice of an instant classic.
[singer] ♪ Burn it down ♪
["Visionary" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[singer] ♪ Burn it down ♪
[Graves] To the surprise of no one in the WWE Universe tonight in Jeddah
serenading The Visionary with his battle hymn.
[crowd] ♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
[singer] ♪ Burn it down ♪
[laughs]
[Michael] You know, for Seth Rollins, there's no one else
that he would rather be competing against tonight than AJ Styles
for the new World Heavyweight Championship.
Seth Rollins grew up really idolizing AJ Styles.
AJ was the prototypical superstar to Seth Rollins.
Seth watched AJ.
He tried to emulate Styles.
[crowd singing]
[Graves] After their very first meeting,
AJ Styles proudly declared,
this kid is not the next AJ Styles.
He will be the first Seth Rollins.
And I think it's safe to say that Rollins has fulfilled that prophecy.
[crowd singing]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest scheduled for one fall is for
the World Heavyweight Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[Rome] Introducing the challengers.
First, from Gainesville, Georgia,
weighing in at 218 pounds,
"The Phenomenal"
AJ Styles.
[crowd cheering]
[Rome] And his opponent, from Davenport, Iowa,
weighing in at 225 pounds,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[crowd singing]
[Michael] Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is the first time in four years
that AJ Styles has had a one-on-one match for a World Championship.
Back in 2019, he battled for the Universal title.
The man who held the championship
and beat him that night,
none other than Seth Rollins.
Does that stick in AJ's craw as we start this match tonight?
[Graves] I think AJ's been around this game long enough to realize
you've got to have an extremely short memory.
You can't dwell in the past.
You need to focus on the future.
[Michael] And here we go. Matchup underway. Rollins…
[crowd singing]
[Michael] …playing conductor.
[Graves] It's become an increasingly hostile environment for AJ Styles.
[Michael] But if there's one individual who will not allow that environment
to change his game, it is the veteran, AJ Styles.
[Graves] You're absolutely correct.
These are two athletes who never crumble under the magnitude of the moment.
Both men understand what is at stake here.
[Michael] I know you feel the same way, Corey,
but what an incredible treat tonight to call this match
between two of the very best to ever play this game
with a brand-new title on the line.
And Styles taking advantage of the dropkick,
knocks Rollins over the top rope and AJ Styles.
[Graves] Styles offering no quarter,
looking to bring the fight to The Visionary.
Seth got caught off guard.
I'm honestly a little surprised that Rollins made a mistake
that simple with a veteran as dangerous as Styles.
[Michael] AJ Styles says Rollins is a difficult opponent,
and that's the way that I like it.
However, Seth's been out doing movies
the last couple of weeks,
so perhaps he's not 100% focused on what's at hand here tonight.
[Graves] I don't think movies are the issue of Seth Rollins' focus,
but I said on my podcast after the bell this past week,
Rollins has spent a lot of time talking about Roman Reigns,
and if Seth is focusing on what Roman's doing,
that means Seth's not focusing on AJ Styles as much as he needs to be.
[Michael] Nice leapfrog by AJ. Rollins rolls through as well
and a stalemate here in the early going.
Styles misses wildly and AJ cannot--
Oh! Seth Rollins with a sling blade,
and now Styles will look to regroup.
Rollins out to the apron,
and Seth Rollins with a running knee.
AJ Styles taken down.
[Graves] Styles is down.
The knee just grazing The Phenomenal One,
but what an amazing atmosphere inside the Jeddah Super Dome.
The WWE Universe came here tonight
knowing they are in store for something special,
and Rollins could be thinking about ending it here.
[Michael] AJ Styles.
Oh, and Rollins caught him in the back of the neck.
First cover of the matchup.
Hook to the leg by Seth Rollins, and a kickout.
We are in the Jeddah Super Dome here tonight
in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions.
The first of three main events.
Rollins, Styles for the brand-new World Heavyweight title.
Rollins has won two WWE Championships,
two Universal Championships in his career,
and an NXT title as well.
AJ Styles, a two-time WWE Champion.
[Graves] Styles now bulldozing Rollins back into the corner.
[Michael] Now, burying his shoulder in the midsection of Rollins.
You know, he had a--
Seth Rollins had a lot of controversial things to say
in your sit-down interview with him on Monday Night Raw.
Styles with a knee.
[Graves] Rollins certainly no stranger to controversy,
but the difference is Rollins knows
what business he needs to handle and when he needs to handle it.
I promise you Rollins is singularly focused in this one.
[Michael] He talked about the reason he wants to win the title
and that is to affect change throughout the entire industry.
Talked a lot about Roman Reigns, the undisputed champion
who reaches 1,000 days as champion later on tonight.
[Graves] And Rollins also spoke to Roman Reigns,
taking opportunity away from other members of the roster.
Imagine what opportunities will be lost
if Roman becomes a Tag Team Champion tonight.
[Michael] Styles into the corner, up over the top.
Rollins, who has not been beaten since the beginning of this year,
running into chops now at the hands of Styles.
Well, Rollins caught him and AJ face-first into the turnbuckle.
[Graves] Styles is dazed.
Rollins looking to capitalize.
-Oh. -[Michael] Driving AJ
through the second turnbuckle on the other side of the ring.
[Graves] Rollins bought himself a little breathing room
as we take another look at this as Seth launches AJ
face-first into the middle turnbuckle.
What I've noticed in the early moments of this matchup
is how deliberate the pace is
from Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Seth usually not afraid to pick things up, to speed things up,
but Styles presents a very unique threat to The Visionary.
[Michael] That chop knocks Styles right off the top rope to the apron.
I spoke to Seth earlier, he was very confident
coming into this matchup because he said, I've studied AJ my entire career.
I know everything about AJ Styles.
[crowd chanting] AJ Styles! AJ Styles!
[Graves] Rollins now in a precarious position,
trying to join Styles on the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] Styles able to slip down underneath
and now it's Rollins face first off the turnbuckle.
It is just an electric atmosphere here tonight as it has been
the past number of days that we've been in Jeddah.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Heavy right hands being traded by both superstars.
[Michael] Styles slamming Rollins hard into the corner.
And Rollins landing on the back of his neck.
[Graves] Take a look at the impact on this.
A snap suplex into the turnbuckles.
The playing field once again appears to be level for the moment.
[Michael] Again, every time Styles tries to gain an upper hand,
Seth Rollins is there to meet him.
Seth with some right hands and a chop.
AJ Styles stunned.
Blocked though, and here comes Styles.
And that right there is classic AJ Styles.
And that running sliding forearm to Rollins.
You saw the demeanor changed with AJ Styles there.
Rollins up on his shoulders momentarily.
Misses wildly.
Styles, face-first goes Rollins.
Is it enough now to win the World Heavyweight title?
Two count, kickout by Seth.
[Graves] And you have to wonder if AJ's foot prevented him
from earning a victory in that instance.
AJ delivered the maneuver,
and it took him a half a second, maybe a full second to readjust,
to get Rollins shoulders both down on the canvas.
This one could be over.
And yet again AJ Styles in absolutely no hurry.
Every movement so deliberate, thinking about a Styles Clash,
but Rollins now bulldozing AJ back.
-Oh. -[Michael] Elbow.
[Graves] Styles into a reverse DDT.
[Michael] Styles cover again to try to win the championship,
and Rollins has the kick at two.
[Ryan] Where he just kicked out.
[Michael] Again, watch the impact here.
[Graves] AJ Styles truly timeless,
just spiking Rollins on the crown of his skull.
[Michael] This matchup is for the brand-new
World Heavyweight Championship.
Both Rollins and Styles have promised
it'll be the working man's championship.
[Graves] Of course, the title is going to be exclusive to Monday Night Raw.
So, Michael Cole, if AJ is victorious tonight,
he might be joining our side of things.
[Michael] Oh, he will be.
As Seth Rollins delivers the boot to the face of Styles.
And now Rollins rolls through.
Stacks up Styles.
[Graves] Tremendous power from Rollins.
[Michael] A buckle bomb to Styles.
[Graves] Seth making the long climb to the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] Splash.
Cover by Seth…
to win the championship and a kickout by Styles.
[Graves] Both men hitting one another with some heavy artillery.
But the match continues as we look yet again
at Seth "Freakin" Rollins
soaring through the skies of Jeddah.
Full extension, extreme impact,
but not quite enough for the three-count.
[Michael] They are on their feet at the Super Dome in Jeddah.
Styles, Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Rollins looked for a neck breaker.
Styles ducks underneath.
Oh.
Cover to win off the neck breaker.
The neck delivered to the knee.
Rollins able to kick out.
[Graves] Take a look at this. Styles hoisting up Rollins
and driving Seth across his own knee.
Agonizing maneuver,
particularly for someone like a Seth "Freakin" Rollins
who's had a history of neck problems.
Rollins went through a neck surgery many years back,
and AJ Styles knows that full well.
[Michael] That is why AJ Styles is one of the best ever,
looking to win the World Heavyweight Championship here tonight
at Night of Champions.
[Graves] This could do it.
[Michael] Styles looking to put Rollins away, though.
Rollins had him scouted.
Now hooking for the Pedigree.
AJ Styles ducks underneath, catches him with a shot.
Step-up enzuigiri.
Both of these men leaving everything on the table
in this championship match.
[Graves] Both of these superstars are such perfectionists.
They came into this matchup so well-prepared for one another.
This match truly could come down to which man makes a mistake first
that they can't recover from.
[Michael] Styles beat Rey Mysterio and Edge,
two Hall of Famers, and also Bobby Lashley to get here.
Rollins knocked off Shinsuke Nakamura,
Damian Priest, and then Finn Bálor
to punch his ticket to Night of Champions.
[Graves] AJ looking to deep-- dig deep into his bag of tricks for this one.
[Michael] Indeed he is. Styles Clash from the second rope.
Rollins, though, counters.
[Graves] Credit Rollins' incredible core strength,
able to muscle AJ over with his legs.
[Michael] Now planning, Styles up on the top rope.
Again, Rollins has had Styles incredibly scouted throughout this match.
[crowd] …five, six, seven, eight.
[Michael] Seth, of course, a student of the game.
[Graves] Do you think it's even possible that this is a scenario
where Seth Rollins knows AJ Styles better than AJ knows himself?
[Michael] Good Point.
And he studied AJ for 20 years.
And now Rollins up to the second rope.
Styles in trouble.
What a predicament here for Styles.
[Graves] Oh, my God.
[Michael] Styles face first.
Rollins.
Is this it?
Cover for the championship.
Kickout at two.
What a sequence for Rollins.
But still Styles is in this.
[Graves] Look at this.
First, an inverted superplex
but Rollins maintains his grasp on AJ
before driving Styles down yet again.
Almost was not enough to do the job in that instance.
And look at the wounds of battle already beginning to form
on Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Michael] Both of these men knew what they were getting into in this matchup.
Styles trying to crawl back to his feet.
Seth now heading up to the top rope,
high above the Jeddah Super Dome.
What does Seth have in mind here?
Rollins has to roll through as Styles rolls out of the way.
He catches him with a boot.
[Graves] Styles perched on the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] AJ looking for a Tornado DDT, ends up on the apron.
[Graves] Headbutt from Rollins.
[Michael] Brings both men to their knees.
Styles blocks…
does a second time.
Rollins.
Now AJ looks for the count.
[Graves] A test of wills.
Which man can overpower the other?
[Michael] Rollins out to the apron.
AJ Styles drops him on the back of his head.
[Graves] That's got to do it.
[Michael] Right on the apron.
[Graves] If AJ can get Rollins in the ring right now, this one is over.
Rollins has not moved.
[Michael] The official down to check on him and-- Oh!
Ryan Tran, the official, checking on Rollins.
Seth apparently said he's okay
and Styles now tries to drag him back into the ring.
Four.
[Michael] Man, what vicious impact to the back of the neck of Rollins.
[Ryan] Six.
[Michael] And now Styles loading up.
Maybe-- Oh, was going for the Phenomenal Forearm,
and again, Seth Rollins,
it almost like he knew it was coming, Corey.
[Graves] As if it was though Seth were playing a bit of possum.
And here comes Rollins.
Rollins, suicide dive.
Styles taken out.
Uh-oh.
Rollins may have tweaked the knee.
He came down awkwardly on that suicide dive.
And this could be a problem for Rollins.
[Graves] Let's take a look, if we can, at the landing of Rollins.
Propels himself out of the ring.
-Makes clean contact. -[Michael] Right there.
Rollins' knee buckled.
You saw Seth immediately go to the knee as he landed awkwardly.
And now, the question is, did Styles see this happen?
Did Styles realize now that there's a wound?
[Graves] Rollins had better hope not
because that's like chum in the water
when you're dealing with AJ Styles,
not to mention Rollins himself has a history of knee injuries.
-Uh-oh, uh-oh. -[Michael] AJ did see it.
AJ did see it because he rolls through now for the calf crusher.
AJ Styles realizing the moment maybe now with a knee injury
to Rollins and the calf crusher.
The submission move locked in
as Rollins tries to drag himself now to the bottom rope.
[Graves] Seth able to shift his weight, but so does Styles.
[Michael] And Styles again with the calf crusher.
And Rollins writhing in pain.
The veteran AJ Styles saw the injury happen,
he immediately capitalized
trying to get Rollins to tap out.
Seth trying to break the calf crusher.
[Graves] And in doing so, Seth's actually pulling AJ's pressure on his own leg.
[Michael] It finally forces a break.
But has the damage been done as AJ again attacks the leg,
and a clothesline buys Rollins some time.
[Graves] That's exactly what Seth needs in this moment.
Let's take another look to see if we can pinpoint exactly
where Seth tweaked his knee and-- Oh.
-[Michael] Oh. -[Graves] Right there.
Seth's right knee.
[Michael] This is for the brand new World Heavyweight Championship.
Rollins versus Styles.
AJ Styles, Corey, with an opportunity.
Rollins, in obvious pain after tweaking the knee
and then the calf crusher by Styles.
[Graves] Look for AJ to continue attacking the weakened limb of Seth Rollins.
It's a veteran strategy, it's tried and true,
and it's what will bring AJ Styles to the World Heavyweight Championship.
[Michael] Rollins back to his feet as well.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Every blow that Rollins throws
you can see him suffering
as he tries to put any kind of weight on the bad knee.
[Graves] It also mitigates the impact of each strike
without the ability to plant your feet before you deliver it.
AJ Styles no such problem.
[Michael] And here comes AJ.
AJ starting to fire up,
goes right back to the injured leg.
Rollins kick to the midsection.
[Graves] Kawada-style kicks from Rollins
right across the bridge of AJ's nose.
[Michael] AJ ducked underneath, caught him with a chop.
Styles with headbutts.
Oh, and Seth caught him with an enzuigiri.
AJ still on his feet, went for the Pelé Kick.
[Graves] Seth felt it coming.
[Michael] Oh, kick right to the face. Styles down.
And now Rollins realizes he has an opportunity.
Went for the stomp to the hand.
[Graves] Interesting strategy by Rollins.
[Michael] To set up the Pedigree.
Styles counters.
[Graves] AJ trying to hoist up Seth.
[Michael] Yeah. For the third time in the match looking for a Styles Clash
and Rollins able to counter.
Pele kick this time connected.
And now Styles
hooking Rollins for the Pedigree.
Styles uses the Pedigree.
The cover, to win the championship.
And Rollins kicks at two.
[Graves] A look of disbelief on the face of Rollins,
and we are all wearing the same expression
after seeing "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles
deliver a Pedigree and nearly knock-off Rollins.
[Michael] And we talked a lot, Corey,
about whether this was AJ's last opportunity,
whether he had enough left to get the job done.
Those the words and the thoughts of Styles,
and now you're starting to see it show on the face of Styles.
[Graves] Yeah, but now cannot be the time to allow doubt
to creep in if you're AJ Styles.
Rely on where you've been.
Rely on what you've done.
Remember who you are,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles.
[Michael] Styles has tried to go three times to the Styles Clash.
He's used the calf crusher.
He even used Rollins' Pedigree against him
and still has not been able to put Seth Rollins away.
And now looking to load up.
Rollins trying to use the ropes to bring himself back to a vertical base.
Styles stares his opponent in the eyes.
Oh, and Styles caught him with a forearm to the face,
and now AJ's ready
for the Phenomenal forearm.
Oh, superkick by Rollins.
[Graves] Styles maybe out, but Rollins unable to capitalize just yet.
[Rollins] Come on.
[Michael] Rollins in the corner ready to strike.
Does he have anything left?
Oh, the knee buckled.
Went for the stomp.
The bad knee buckled,
and that may have saved AJ Styles
the World Heavyweight Championship.
Again roll through. Styles looking for the calf crusher.
This time Rollins able to counter into a Pedigree.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] But Seth may have re-injured his own knee delivering the Pedigree.
Can Rollins fight through the pain?
Is the adrenaline enough?
[Michael] Stomp.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Rollins toward the cover!
Hooks the leg, wraps the arm!
-Rollins does it! -[bell rings]
["Visionary" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner and the new
World Heavyweight Champion,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Michael] Seth Rollins,
that's the guy to carry this thing forward.
As Triple H, the man who announced the creation
of the new World Heavyweight Championship and has had a long, long history
with Seth Rollins since the days that Rollins became the inaugural NXT Champion
is here tonight to accept the brand new world title from the Hall of Famer.
Seth Rollins is your new World Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd vocalizing]
[Graves] Change it is a coming.
And Rollins be thy name.
["Visionary" continues playing]
[Michael] An incredible fight between two of the all-time greats.
AJ Styles and that man, Seth Rollins.
[crowd vocalizing]
[fireworks explode]
[singer] ♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Michael] Well, let's take a look at the final moments of this matchup.
[Graves] Styles looking to deliver a phenomenal forearm,
instead met with a superkick by Rollins.
Rollins would attempt the stomp, but his left knee would fail him.
Rollins would have to endure the pain,
find his way back to a vertical base
and only then deliver that faithful stomp
and new World Heavyweight Champion.
[Michael] Seth Rollins said, "I am at the top of my game,"
and indeed he is.
You're looking at the brand-new
World Heavyweight Champion.
["Visionary" continues playing]
[crowd vocalizing]
[singer] ♪ Burn it down! ♪
[crowd cheering]
["Wear It Loud" playing]
[singer] ♪ Hair down I'mma let my hair down ♪
♪ Showing off the new style ♪
♪ Walking in a room like Someone's got a brand new swag ♪
♪ Hair down, make it loud I'mma be a wild child ♪
♪ Hey, I'm living like-- Living like I don't give a… ♪
♪ A damn ♪
[Michael] You know, yesterday at the Night Of Champion media event,
we confirmed that Cody Rhodes' arm is indeed broken.
It was broken at the hands of Brock Lesnar this past Monday Night on Raw.
However, WWE executive Triple H did say
this match will happen tonight.
[Graves] It is still to come as part of our triple main event.
With one good arm, The American Nightmare will put himself
to the test against the most decorated athlete in combat sports history,
Brock Lesnar.
[Michael] All the Stars are out here tonight at Night of Champions.
[Graves] Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford, the Street Profits are in the House.
They've been having a great time here in Jeddah.
Made a stopover in Dubai, been doing media appearances all week
and they have the best seats in the house.
Yeah!
[Michael] WWE Night of Champions will be back
with "The Man" Becky Lynch squaring off against WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus
right after this break.
Let's take a look at what set off this rivalry between these two superstars.
[dramatic music playing]
I am very worried and very concerned
because Becky Lynch is missing.
[Kevin] Tag Team Championship match Trish Stratus is stepping in
for Hall of Famer Lita alongside Becky Lynch losing out on the night.
[Graves] Until this shocking turn of events.
Trish Stratus would turn her back on Lynch and deliver a Chick Kick.
[Trish] Now she will be found probably
in some dark, dank corner of Iowa,
crying in the corner with her dumb daughter.
She just won't be coming here to Raw because this is my show.
It is my spotlight.
I don't care if you're Becky "Freakin'" Lynch.
No one is going to steal my spotlight.
[Becky] You want me, Trish, I'm right here.
[suspenseful music playing]
The Man has come around to kick your ass!
[Kevin] Set to go for a contract signing.
Hall of Famer Trish Stratus and Becky Lynch.
[Trish] Without me there would be no Women's Revolution
and certainly no women in the Main Event of WrestleMania.
Because of me.
Because of the work I did.
Not once did you say, "Thank you, Trish,
for opening the door for me."
You're scared that history is forgetting you.
Time is passing us by, but you just stayed the same.
And so thank you, Trish,
for being everything I hope I never become.
[Trish] I am the greatest of all time.
I was number one the minute I walked in the WWE,
and it didn't take a broken nose for me to get there.
[Becky] I've been able to have a career that you can only dream of.
While you, you've done things that would give me nightmares.
And that's why I can look at myself in the mirror,
know that I'm not perfect like you think that you are.
I will show you how thankful I am
when I kick your head in at Night of Champions!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] These two icons will do battle.
Welcome to the big time.
[upbeat music playing]
[Michael] And this is Jeddah, the heart of the growth
of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A modern City in many respects,
while still holding on to the centuries of tradition,
including Al-Balad, the historic district which dates back
to the seventh century with homes made of coral.
We're at the Jeddah Super Dome tonight.
The national bird of Saudi Arabia, the falcon.
This is Night of Champions.
["Time to Rock & Roll" playing]
[singer] I don’t care what y'all say
♪ Whoa, it's time to rock and roll ♪
♪ This time I'm in control ♪
♪ Right now I own the streets ♪
♪ I got the keys to the city ♪
♪ That's 'cause I get down ♪
♪ Time to rock and roll ♪
♪ This time I'm in control ♪
♪ Right now I own the streets ♪
[Graves] I've got to ask you, Cole, have you thanked Ms. Stratus lately?
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, WWE Hall of Famer,
Trish Stratus!
[Michael] Corey, to answer your question, yes, baby.
Trish Stratus has done so much for the women's division here
in the history of WWE.
The problem is, I don't understand why she feels this need
to constantly talk about it.
[Graves] Well, if nobody else is talking about you,
sometimes you have to take it upon yourself to remind the world
of who you are, of what you've accomplished.
[Michael] Trish retired.
[Graves] And Trish got tired of not being talked about enough,
so she came back, and she's going to show a whole new generation
why she's the greatest of all time.
[Michael] I can promise you, when I retire,
you'll never hear from me again.
[singer] ♪ This time I'm in control ♪
♪ Right now I own the streets ♪
[Graves] Trish Stratus went as far as to survey the entire panel
of Canada's Got Talent.
-["Celtic Invasion" playing] -[Graves] And they all said there's no way
Becky wins this match.
And who are you to disagree with Howie Mandel, Cole?
[Rome] And her opponent, from Dublin, Ireland,
"The Man" Becky Lynch!
[Michael] I spoke to Becky Lynch yesterday right before the media event
here in Jeddah, and I asked her about idolizing Trish.
She jumped down my throat.
She said she never idolized Trish Stratus.
That was a media fabrication.
She respected Trish Stratus, respected in the past-tense,
but she idolized Lita.
Lita is the reason that Becky Lynch is here, and Lita also is the reason that,
really, we're having this match tonight.
[Graves] Let me ask you this. Was it Lita who competed against herself
the first time women main evented Monday Night Raw?
-[Michael] No. -[Graves] No. It takes two to tango,
and Trish Stratus is just as important in the history of the Women's Evolution.
Trish Stratus walked so Becky Lynch could run.
[Michael] Yeah, but Becky Lynch has done something
that Trish Stratus has never done in her career.
The first woman to main event WrestleMania.
[Graves] You think that happens without the existence of Trish Stratus?
[Michael] Trish Stratus a seven-time world champion.
Becky has won six world titles.
Also, a tag team championship with Lita, which lead us here tonight.
Also a Royal Rumble match.
[Graves] Lynch tonight looking to be extremely motivated.
Staring a hole through the Hall of Famer.
Becky looks like a woman who's got unfinished business.
[Michael] This is Trish's first singles match
in four years since SummerSlam of 2019.
And I believe Trish made a critical error heading into this matchup tonight,
and that was dragging Becky's daughter into this whole thing.
Into the words that Trish said about Becky's young girl,
it just ticked Becky off.
[Graves] I'm going to agree with you.
Becky Lynch is dangerous enough in her own right.
[Michael] So Stratus and Lynch.
A matchup that we never thought we'd have here on Night of Champions.
-[Graves] Oh, no! -[Michael] And Becky with a right!
And Becky Lynch teeing off now on Trish Stratus.
Becky Lynch said, "I allowed Trish Stratus to get too close to home."
"She's a snake, and I got bit."
[Graves] Well, right now Becky seems to be lacking mercy,
compassion and forgiveness, as pertains to the Hall of Famer.
The Man bringing the fight to Trish Stratus!
[Michael] And Trish, I'm not sure she was expecting this onslaught
at the beginning of the matchup by "The Man" Becky Lynch.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Lynch now out of steam.
[Michael] Baseball slide, Trish.
Drives Becky spine first into the steel steps!
And again, this time Becky driven face first into the steps!
And now the vicious aggressive streak of Trish Stratus starts to come out.
-[referee] …two… -[Graves] First, let's take one more look
and listen to the impact
as Lynch's face met the diamond plate ring stairs.
Five…
[Michael] Trish Stratus claims that it's Becky who's the narcissist,
who has the complex personality!
Not quite sure I agree with that.
And now Trish on the attack.
Measuring Becky, and a boot right to the midsection.
-Trish-- -[Graves] That'll break a rib.
[Michael] Trish told Becky Lynch, "Hey, you can be number two,
but I'm second to no one."
"I single-handedly changed the women's division in WWE."
[Graves] Listen, I have a lot of respect
for what Trish Stratus is attempting to do.
Yes, she's already in the Hall of Fame, but rather than complain, and cry,
and get on social media,
Trish rejoined WWE and is looking to prove to a whole new generation
that she is as good as she says she is.
Better than Becky Lynch.
[Michael] Yeah, but what about what Becky said this past week on Monday Night Raw,
that, "Everyone has passed you by, Trish, and you're upset about that."
"You stayed the same, we all evolved."
[Graves] From right now what I'm seeing is it seems as though Trish Stratus
has evolved plenty in her own right.
[Michael] Stratus mocking the official.
Just having her way right now with Becky Lynch.
These two have never faced each other in a singles matchup.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Oh! And Trish getting a little too carried away.
Becky caught her with a right,
but Trish Stratus now Tornado DDT plants Lynch!
Cover now by Trish.
Hook to the leg, and Lynch kicks at two.
Another cover by Stratus.
Another kick out by Becky.
But again, veteran maneuvers here, constant covers.
[Graves] Let's take a look as Trish was taking a bow,
basking in the adulation of the WWE Universe in Jeddah.
[Michael] And Becky trying to climb, somehow, back into this matchup.
And there is no doubt that Trish Stratus may be the greatest of all time
when it comes to the women's division.
Everything she's done in her career.
A lot of the points you made earlier exactly right, Corey,
but it's the way she acts.
Not allowing those like Becky Lynch to bask in the now.
[Graves] What's the point of being better than everybody
if you can't let everybody else know that you're better than them?
[Michael] Why did I expect that out of you?
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And Trish just having fun with this crowd.
Begging them almost to chant, "Thank you, Trish."
[Graves] I would say prompting, prodding perhaps, but I wouldn't say begging, Cole.
-Trish Stratus doesn't beg. -[Michael] Again, that's your take.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Becky! Let's go, Becky!
[screaming]
[Michael] Trish is vicious tonight.
[Graves] Trish Stratus knew what it was going to take.
Trish does have a healthy professional respect
for what Becky Lynch has accomplished.
What Becky Lynch is capable of.
[Michael] She sure doesn't show it.
[Graves] Professionally speaking, as far as technique,
as far as skill set goes,
of course Trish is going to talk a little smack.
That's what this game is all about.
You've got to get under your opponent's skin first.
[Michael] Well, but I like how Becky has talked about these things,
as she tries to fight back.
She said, "Listen, I know I'm not perfect,
but I'm proud of what I've accomplished,
but I don't need to tell everybody about it like you do, Trish."
"I just rest on my laurels."
And Becky now taken down by Stratus!
And pounded away by Lynch.
I got to admit, Trish looks awesome here tonight.
Neckbreaker by Stratus.
Hook to the leg.
It's been four years.
Again, four years, Corey, since Stratus has been in a one-on-one match up.
[Graves] Trish is in incredible physical condition.
I follow her on social media, she's extremely active.
Does a ton of yoga.
Trish obviously has trained extremely hard for this matchup in this environment.
[Michael] This is the superdome in Jeddah.
Night of Champions,
Hall of Famer Trish Stratus and "The Man" Becky Lynch
in a very emotional and personal battle.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Becky recruited both Trish and Lita to come back and help her
in her fight with Damage CTRL, of course.
Trish turning her back on both Lita and Lynch to lead us tonight.
[Michael] Are you-- is this what you expected, Corey?
I mean, come on, not even you could've expected this onslaught
by Stratus tonight.
[Graves] Of course I expected it.
I didn't expect Becky Lynch to be able to take this much punishment
and still be fighting back like she is,
but that's exactly what appears to be happening.
[Michael] Lynch and Stratus exchanging blows,
and now Becky Lynch gets the upper hand.
Becky whipped across the ring, down goes Stratus,
and now Becky has an opportunity to climb back into this match!
The Man's feeling it.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky!
[Graves] Lynch has Stratus hooked.
[Michael] Exploder!
And Trish trying to crawl out of the ring.
[Michael] Now this is the pace that Becky likes.
-That whirlwind offense of Lynch. -One, two.
[Graves] I think this is what Trish Stratus wanted to avoid.
[crowd cheering]
Trish didn't want to let this devolve into a fight.
[Michael] Oh, and a leg drop!
[Graves] That's exactly what we're seeing out of Lynch.
[Michael] Cover by Becky to pin the Hall of Famer!
Kick out at two.
Just barely.
[Graves] Smart move by Stratus rolling to the outside,
allowing herself a few moments to regain composure.
Re-strategize her game plan.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky!
[Graves] Here comes Lynch yet again.
Oh! Baseball slide.
[Michael] And now Becky on the apron, down goes Trish off the clothesline.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Man of the people, as she likes to refer to herself.
-[Graves] Oh, great counter by Stratus! -[Michael] Oh, into the post!
Trish Stratus.
-Tremendous offensive move by Stratus. -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] We're seeing spectacular veteran wherewithal by Trish Stratus.
Utilizing her environment for a second time to gain the upper hand.
[Michael] Lynch planted off the spinebuster!
-Cover now by Trish for the win. -One, two--
[Michael] Kick out at two.
Yeah, this has been an incredible matchup.
Highly competitive.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Becky.
[Graves] Are you at least a little bit sorry that you overlooked Trish Stratus,
the Hall of Famer?
[Michael] I never overlooked her, Corey.
Again, putting words in my mouth.
-The tremendous journalist you are. -[Graves] Oh.
[Michael] Stratus with the right hands.
Becky just ticked her off.
[Graves] I paid $11 for a blue check mark, that makes me a journalist.
[Michael laughs]
-I actually did too. -[Graves] Oh!
Now Becky placed on the top rope.
[speaking indistinctly]
[Graves] Trish looking to take it high risk.
Will it pay off?
Ladies, no, come on, someone's gonna get hurt up there.
[Graves] Stratus has The Man hooked.
[Michael] Yeah, but Becky able to counter at least momentarily.
Trish knocked off the ropes.
Lynch able to block.
Oh! Maybe not.
-[Graves] Only momentarily. -[Michael] Stratus cover again.
-For the win in this matchup. -One, two--
[Michael] Lynch has got a kick at two.
[Graves] That's where that yoga background of Trish Stratus comes into play.
She was extremely comfortable in an upside down inverted position
and was able to adjust herself as needed to take down Lynch.
[Michael] I'm not comfortable in an upright position.
[crowd chanting] Thank you, Trish! Thank you, Trish! Thank you, Trish!
[Michael] Smattering of "Thank you, Trish" chants.
[Graves] The world will come around.
Here we go. This will do it.
[Michael] Looking to put Becky away for some Stratusfaction,
but Becky able to counter.
[grunts]
[Michael] Back elbow.
Lynch to the second rope.
[Graves] Lynch hit the Diamond Dust.
Will it be enough?
[Michael] Perhaps it is as Becky goes up to the top rope.
That leg drop to Stratus.
-Lynch for the win. -[crowd] One, two--
[Michael] Hook to the leg. And again Trish has to kick out.
[Graves] I wonder if frustration is beginning to set in
for "The Man" Becky Lynch
after hitting Trish with some serious heavy artillery.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky
[Michael] Now the Becky chants here at Superdome in Jeddah.
Went for the Manhandle Slam and Trish able to roll through.
And now Stratus, may be looking for the submission hold,
the sharpshooter, the same move she tapped Lita with
in her first retirement match,
but Becky able to counter.
[Graves] Becky up and over the outside.
Connects with a right, Stratus is rocked.
[Michael] Oh, Lynch lost her balance thanks to Stratus.
[Graves] Trish yet again.
[screaming]
-[Graves] Uh-oh. -[Michael] This is not going to be pretty.
And now Becky dragging Stratus back to the center of the ring.
Boston crab.
Stratus nowhere to go.
[Graves] Trish is trying to keep her legs extended.
Lynch doing her best to cinch back,
to really deepen the hold.
[Michael] Can Lynch get Stratus to tap out.
Instead of "Thank you, Trish", she may be "Tap out, Trish."
Come on!
[Michael] But Trish able to make it to the bottom rope.
No, no, no.
[Michael] And now Becky
gonna come out on the attack, launches herself off the steel steps,
and runs into a kick by Stratus.
[crowd booing]
You have ten, ladies, inside.
One,
two…
[Michael] Lynch is down, Stratus looking to regroup…
…four…
[Michael] …into the ring to break the count.
-…five… -Count her out.
-[Graves] No, no. Trish wants to -…six…
[Graves] Trish wants take the victory by count out.
-…eight… -[Michael] Count of eight now.
-…nine… -[Michael] Count of nine,
Becky barely beats the count.
-Stratus catches her. -[Graves] Oh, oh, oh.
[Michael] Chick Kick. Cover by Trish for the win.
Oh, and Lynch at two and a half.
[Graves] Now is cause for concern
as we look yet again at Stratus delivering a Chick Kick,
a move that has brought her so many victories.
But not yet. Not tonight.
Not The Man.
[indistinct chatter]
[referee] Watch the hair, Trish. Hey!
[Michael] Trash talking by Trish to Becky.
-[referee] Come on. Pull up. One, two. -[indistinct chatter]
[referee] Come on. Come on.
[Graves] Stratus is absolutely ruthless.
[indistinct chatter]
[Michael] Becky, Disarm-her
Disarm-Her.
Becky caught Stratus.
Stratus got cute, Becky countered.
Disarm-her in.
Is Trish going to tap?
Instead of tapping, she grabs Becky's hair
and forces her out of the Disarm-her.
[Graves] And I think the officials' view was obstructed
by both competitors' bodies.
This thing is getting ugly.
One, two…
[Michael] What a physical matchup between Trish and Becky.
Missed with a Chick Kick again.
Becky roll up, shoulders down, for the win.
Kickout by Stratus.
Manhandle Slam.
-Cover. -One, two--
[Michael] Too close to the ropes.
[Graves] In the heat of the moment, Lynch lost her ring awareness.
[Graves] Trish may be the luckiest woman on the planet right now.
[Michael] Becky trying to figure out what she needs to do to put Trish away.
-She thought that was her moment. -Hey.
Hey. Hey.
Yo, that's enough, come on, hey.
-[Graves] Where's Trish going? -Back inside.
-Come on. Hey. -[Michael] Who knows?
-Wait a minute. -[Graves] What the-- is that Zoey Stark?
[Michael] Zoey Stark.
Zoey Stark with a Z-360.
Zoey Stark.
-[Graves] Why? -[Michael] Attacking Becky Lynch
and Trish Stratus with Stratusfaction.
Cover.
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[Michael] Stratus beats Lynch. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] Thanks to Zoey Stark.
-["Time To Rock & Roll" playing] -[Rome] Here's your winner,
WWE Hall of Famer,
Trish Stratus.
[Michael] What the hell was that hit and run?
[Graves] Cole, I've got as many questions as you do.
We've seen Zoey Stark recently
drafted the Monday Night Raw.
A serious threat to the entire roster, but
[Michael] But Corey, it's pretty apparent
that this was a setup.
Trish went under the apron looking for something
and who appeared but Zoey Stark.
[Graves] A shocking turn of events, to say the least.
Zoey Stark emerging from under the ring
and delivering Z-360.
Night-night, Becky.
The exclamation point in the form of Stratusfaction.
[crowd] One, two, three!
[bell ringing]
[Michael] Becky Lynch has to be seething.
-[crowd booing] -[singer] ♪ It's time to rock and roll ♪
♪ This time I'm in control ♪
[Michael] The Hall of Famer Trish Stratus…
You're welcome.
[Michael] …with yet another trick up her sleeve.
[Graves] Well, at least Zoey starts paying Trish the respect she deserves.
[Michael] Trish should be saying,
"Thank you, Zoey."
[laughs]
[fan chants] Thank you, Zoey!
-["Prizefighter" playing] -[singer] ♪ Prizefighter knock me… ♪
[Michael] When we return at Night of Champions,
"The Ring General," Gunther, will face off against
Battle Royal winner, Mustafa Ali
for the Intercontinental Championship.
Let's take a look at Ali visiting Mecca.
As-salamu alaykum, everybody. We're here. We're here.
I'm excited.
I've been to Saudi Arabia before,
but I haven't been here during the month of Ramadan.
A lot of people on the flight are coming here for Umrah.
You know, we had iftar together, we had suhoor together.
We actually prayed Fajr prayer on the plane, it was beautiful.
Again, my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the GEA
for hosting an amazing iftar here at Al Markaz.
We had amazing food, amazing conversation.
What an amazing time.
Even though I'm not from Saudi,
this sense of brotherhood and belonging
has just encompassed me.
[indistinct chatter]
[announcer] Mustafa Ali.
[applause]
I didn't feel like an outsider
for one minute while I was here.
[dramatic music playing]
Today is the day.
We are heading out now for Umrah.
And I'm beyond nervous, anxious, barely slept.
The journey is safe to Umrah, inshallah.
My dua's are accepted.
And my Umrah's accepted, so here we go.
I have this immense sense of gratitude in my heart
and it's just traveling through my body.
I don't know if this makes sense,
but I feel gratitude coming out of my fingertips,
almost like beaming. [chuckles]
[indistinct chatter]
[Mustafa] I remember seeing the Mukaab for the first time
and I felt like my heart skipped a beat, uh, just by its beauty.
[indistinct chatter]
[Mustafa] And I looked around and I saw brothers and sisters
from all over the world,
you know, all wearing the same garment that I'm wearing,
um, walking the same path that I'm walking,
and I just felt this sense of unity.
[indistinct chatter]
And I just felt so much peace and tranquility.
I'm forever grateful for this opportunity
to perform Umrah in the month of Ramadan.
I can't even begin to describe how blessed and thankful I am.
It's something that I'll cherish for the rest of my life, inshallah.
["Problematic" playing]
[bell ringing]
[Rome] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Intercontinental Championship.
Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois,
weighing in at 182 pounds,
Mustafa Ali.
[Graves] Tremendous ovation for Mustafa Ali
as he prepares for one of the biggest matches of his career.
And right now, Ali told me,
he feels like his back's against the wall.
He's been questioning himself,
questioning his dream and all the work he's put in.
It all comes to a head tonight in Jeddah.
[Michael] Well, Corey, there's no doubt he earned this opportunity
versus 24 other superstars on Monday Night Raw
a couple of weeks ago in a Battle Royal
that would come down to Ricochet,
Bronson Reed, and Mustafa Ali
for the right to face Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.
[Graves] Just as it seemed as Bronson Reed and-- I'm sorry.
Bronson Reed was on the verge of being eliminated.
He would capture Ricochet mid maneuver,
which opened the door for positive Ali
-to dropkick Bronson Reed. -[bell ringing]
[Graves] And earn the opportunity to challenge
for the Intercontinental Championship.
[Michael] That's like fighting for a ticket
to be involved in your own mugging.
-[Graves] That's what that's like. -[Michael] That's your reward.
You get to get beat up by Gunther here tonight.
Listen, Ali may be the biggest underdog we've seen in WWE in the last decade.
[Graves] There's nothing more dangerous
than a man who feels he's got nothing left to lose.
[Michael] Ali said that
"If I can't be great, if I can't be a champion,
then I don't deserve to be here."
[tense music playing]
Ladies and gentlemen,
I demand
all your gratitude
for your WWE Intercontinental
Heavyweight Champion.
"The Ring General,"
Gunther.
["Symphony No. 9" playing]
[singer] ♪ Gunther ♪
[Michael] He is the longest-reigning
Intercontinental Champion this century.
Closing in on a year with the title.
He knocked off Ricochet last June.
Only two men in WWE history
have held the Intercontinental Championship
longer than this man,
Honky Tonk Man,
Randy "Macho Man" Savage.
[Graves] At this rate those records may, in fact, someday be in jeopardy,
courtesy of "The Ring General" Gunther.
Everything about this man is impressive.
His stature, his stoicism.
But when the bell rings, there may be no one better than Gunther.
[Michael] And Ali got a tremendous ovation yesterday
at the Night of Champions media event,
just outside here in Champion City.
Gunther scoffed
at the reaction from the WWE Universe.
And he laughed over the fact that anyone believed
that Ali had a chance to knock him off tonight.
Gunther said, "I spent my entire life,
every waking moment,
preparing to be a champion."
"That's what I do."
[Graves] The preparation has paid off
and Gunther has been an extremely dominant champion
and has shown no signs of slowing.
[Michael] He's like a cyborg in many ways.
Here's a man who entered the Royal Rumble this year at number one.
He lasted longer than anyone in a traditional Royal Rumble in one hour,
eleven minutes and forty seconds before being eliminated by Cody Rhodes.
-Let's go with the bell. -[bell dings]
[Michael] We talked to superstars who will tell you
that they've never been hit so hard
than they have when they've suffered at the hands of the chops of Gunther.
[Graves] It's like watching a warrior swing a battle axe.
[Michael] Okay. Let's not kid ourselves, but I got to ask you the question,
does Ali have any chance?
[crowd booing]
[Graves] Any man with two fists has a chance.
A puncher's chance. A miracle may happen.
Yeah, there's some semblance of a chance in Ali's corner,
but it's not likely.
[Michael] Ali grew up believing in some of the great believers
and miracle workers in WWE history.
Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero
-as Ali looks to-- -[Graves] Oh, my goodness.
[Michael] Pull out a page in the history of some underdogs like Mysterio.
[Graves] Sounds like Ali just incited Gunther with the chop in the corner.
But now, smart strategy, trying to chop the big man down.
[Michael] Yeah, use your quickness to take Gunther off his feet.
-[Graves] Oh, no. -[Michael] Sleeper.
[Graves] We've seen Gunther earn many victories with that very maneuver.
Ali looking to push the pace.
This is what Mustafa is going to have to do.
[Michael] Kick to the face, Gunther's stunned.
[Graves] Push Gunther out of his comfort zone, if that's possible.
[Michael] A second time, Gunther, though, still on his feet.
And this time, Gunther lifts Ali up and slams him to the canvas.
[screaming]
[Michael] So here's a man who just got kicked in the face twice.
And then he just turns around and slams the man.
[Graves] Let's be honest, Gunther nearly put Ali
through the center of the ring.
I don't know the last time I've seen a body slam
with that much malice behind it.
But that's Gunther's MO.
[Michael] Talking to one of Gunther's opponents
who told me that Gunther is like a frenzied lion in the ring.
Oh, my goodness.
There are the thunderous chops we were talking about.
[yelling]
[Michael] Just listen.
God.
And another.
Hit me, I'm always here.
[Graves] Well he probably shouldn't have made him mad.
[Michael] He's got a point.
A steadfast and commanding presence.
Ali still trying to fight back, understands this is an opportunity.
Ali's never held a championship in the WWE.
Oh, and another slam.
It doesn't look like tonight's going to be the night, either.
[Graves] Took the words right out of my mouth.
Boston crab by the Ring General.
[Michael] Center of the ring and just sitting down,
his full 250-pound frame on the lower back of Ali.
[Graves] For a man as large as Gunther is, 250 pounds plus,
he has incredible in-ring stamina.
You cannot tire out the Ring General.
[Michael] Now the crossface by Gunther.
[Graves] Just continues to put on the pressure.
[Michael] The thing about Gunther, too, Corey.
There's no wasted motion.
He doesn't mess around in the ring. He gets down to business.
He beats the hell out of you and he walks away.
[Graves] Not a lot of style, all substance.
The smash mouth technique of the Intercontinental Champion.
Ali chucked to the outside.
[Michael] Now Ali delivering a shoulder to the midsection.
Creates a little bit of space. Oh, my goodness.
[Graves] That's it.
[Michael] You know, we talked about Bruno Sammartino
a little bit earlier tonight, the great WWE Hall of Famer.
Gunther is drawing comparisons to Bruno Sammartino,
but Bruno Sammartino was never this agile or this athletic like Gunther is.
[Graves] I agree with you wholeheartedly.
But also the difference, Bruno fought to win.
Gunther fights to prove his point
that he is supreme to everyone in WWE.
I'm sure, right now, Mustafa Ali will agree.
[Michael] You get a chill down your spine when you watch Gunther compete.
Takes you back to WrestleMania Clash at the Castle in Cardiff,
the physical battles he had with McIntyre and Sheamus.
[Graves] And look at the Intercontinental Champion's face.
It's almost as though Gunther was insulted
by the fact that Ali even bothered to roll back in the ring with him.
-[Michael] Oh! -[Graves] And now Ali will pay.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] It's just to make the point to punish your opponent,
to bring "prestige" to what he believes is the greatest championship.
[Graves] And at this point, Gunther knows full well
that it goes beyond Mustafa Ali.
There's a locker room full of superstars right now watching this brutality.
There's another portion of the roster back in the United States
hoping to someday challenge Gunther.
And Gunther's saying, "Go ahead. Give it a shot. Give me your best."
[Michael] Here's Ali trying to fire back and fight back.
Ali showing a little bit of life now against Gunther.
Ali realizing this could be his last chance
to rally against the champion.
Into the corner, Ali catches him with a kick.
Mustafa Ali rolls through, neckbreaker, champ's down.
And Ali, you saw the look in his eyes, believes he's got a chance,
believe this could be his moment.
Climbing to the top rope here at the Superdome in Jeddah.
Oh!
[Graves] Ali took just a moment too long to make the climb.
[Michael] That will stop the rally.
[crowd booing]
[Graves] And whatever Gunther does next may very well end the match.
Double under hook applied by the Ring General.
[Michael] Ali, though, trying to fight out.
[Graves] In this situation, it benefits Ali.
I dare say, Mustafa Ali far more comfortable
in this position than Gunther is.
[Michael] And he had the leverage as well.
Now up to the top rope, went for the sunset flip.
Gunther trying to hang on.
Ali, though.
Powerbomb!
The champ's in trouble.
But Ali's only got a few moments to try to capitalize.
Ali up top.
[Graves] They're starting to believe in Jeddah.
[Michael] Mustafa Ali, 450!
Cover to win the title and the upset of the year.
And a kickout by Gunther.
[Graves] My goodness. Look at this.
First, what a display of strength by Mustafa Ali.
A sit-out powerbomb followed up immediately
by a picture-perfect 450 Splash.
And Ali continuing to soldier on.
[Michael] Yeah, well.
Thanks for coming.
[Gunther yelling]
[crowd booing]
[Michael] Gunther is mad now and he's about to put Ali away.
Oh, goodness. This is punishment time.
[referee] One, two…
[Michael] Ali's still in it.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] He's a glutton for punishment.
[Michael] Well, the more frustrated Gunther gets,
I'm afraid the worst off things are going to become for Mr. Ali.
[Graves] I agree with you, Cole, but what if-- what if that's the key
to solving Gunther as we look again at that disgusting clothesline?
What if Ali's strategy is working?
What if his plan is to frustrate Gunther?
I don't know that that's it, but what if?
[Michael] I hate to ruin your party, Corey,
but I think the 450 was the last gasp from Mustafa Ali.
Come on!
[crowd] Let's go, Ali!
Come on!
Listen to me. You don't belong.
[Michael] Telling Ali he doesn't belong.
Ali said, "No way."
But it does-- oh, Ali though lands on his feet.
-[Graves] Oh, my God. -[Michael] A kick to the face.
Gunther stunned again. Ali is still in this.
Tornado DDT.
Ali's gonna go up top again.
Oh, my goodness.
Could he pull off a massive upset?
-Go for the rope… -[Graves] Ali rolls through.
[Michael] …out of harm's way and there's that…
[Graves] Oh.
[Michael] …devastating dropkick.
Followed by a Powerbomb.
Stacks up again, Ali,
-to retain the title. -[bell rings]
["Prepare To Fight" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner
and still the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther.
[Michael] Gunther remains a dominant champion
as he closes in on one year with the title.
But what a performance by Ali.
[Graves] Mustafa Ali appeared to believe
that he had victory at his fingertips
until he was dropkicked by a tyrannosaurus,
followed by a Powerbomb again nearly through the ring.
Your winner and still the dream crusher, Gunther.
[Michael] I'll tell you, if a T-Rex could dropkick like that,
-the dinosaurs wouldn't be extinct. -[Graves] Amen.
[Michael] Gunther, still the Intercontinental Champion.
Say what you want about him.
Say what you want about his style.
There's no doubt he may well be the most dominant
in the history of WWE.
[crowd cheering]
Hey. You all right?
Yeah, man.
Can you believe we're here?
This is crazy, man.
I-- everything since WrestleMania.
I just-- even WrestleMania, we-- this is so much more
-than we ever expected. -Yeah.
To win the tag team championships together
in the main event of WrestleMania,
-what a run. -Yeah.
Man, even if it ended tonight, this has been--
What? Why it would-- why would it end tonight?
-What does that mean? -No, it's not going to end tonight.
-Right. So why even go there? -But hang-- but, well, hang on a second.
We have to at least acknowledge the fact that Roman Reigns
is celebrating 1,000 days as champion, and now he wants our championships.
If there's one thing about Roman you have to admit, he finds a way.
He screwed both of us many times before.
We have to at least be ready.
Yeah, yeah. You know what, you're right. You're right.
-That's all I'm saying. -Yeah, I can acknowledge that.
But you know? That's the only thing I'll acknowledge
because here's the other thing,
here's something Roman Reigns needs to acknowledge,
we won those tag titles from The Usos.
Usos are more of a tag team than Roman and Solo have ever been, right?
-Right. -But here's the other thing
I'll acknowledge, I'm so sick of hearing about Roman Reigns
and his 1,000 days. Yeah, he's had his day.
-He's had 1,000 of them. -Right.
Today is not his day, today is our day.
That's what you need to think about.
I didn't come all this way to lose these titles, no.
Today is our day.
Today, Solo loses.
Today, Roman Reigns loses.
Yeah?
-Yeah? -Yeah.
-Oh, yes. -Yeah.
[upbeat music playing]
[Graves] KO doing his absolute best to fire up Sami Zayn
before they defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships
against the duo of Solo Sikoa and the "Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns.
[Michael] A host of WWE Superstars joining us here
at Night of Champions in Jeddah.
There is LA Knight now a part of Friday Night SmackDown,
fresh off a bit win over Mr. Boogs.
[Graves] Who's game is it, Cole?
It's LA Knight's game.
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a special week
here in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, including many wishes granted
for children here in Jeddah over the past couple of days.
Earlier this week, WWE joined Make-A-Wish, Saudi Arabia,
to grant their first-ever wish in The Kingdom.
WWE is so proud to be a part of this historic moment,
as we continue to grant wishes around the world.
Wonderful moments at the Saudi German Hospital
here in Jeddah this week.
An absolutely incredible week it's been here in Jeddah.
The fans have been amazing,
and what a night we're experiencing right now.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, Night of Champions continues with a battle
for the Raw Women's Championship.
When Night of Champions comes back, the Raw Women's Title match.
Bianca Belair takes on Asuka.
Let's see the road these competitors traveled
to get here tonight.
-[dramatic music playing] -[crowd chanting] EST! EST! EST!
[Bianca] At Night of Champions, I'm going to step in the ring
and defend my Raw Women's Championship
against Asuka.
[crowd cheering]
[Bianca] This is not the same Asuka that I remember from WrestleMania.
That Asuka, I actually respected.
That Asuka wanted this title,
but this Asuka,
this Asuka is different.
[singer] ♪ The Empress of Tomorrow ♪
[Bianca] This Asuka wants more than just my title.
You had to wait until I got to my hometown,
where I was celebrating my historic title reign,
to come in there and mist me and humiliate me
in front of my entire family and friends.
[medic] No, no, no. Relax, relax.
[Bianca] The very next week when I tried to help Zelina Vega
[Michael] Asuka not letting go of the Asuka Lock.
[singer] ♪ I'm on my own ♪
[Bianca] If once wasn't bad enough,
she did it twice.
[Michael] Oh, the mist,
just barely got Bianca this time around.
[Bianca] Now, I'm standing here, and my eyes still burn,
my vision is still blurry,
but my mind…
has never been more clear.
So if Asuka wants a rematch, bet, say less.
I'm not just giving Asuka a rematch,
I'm giving her a fight because now I want to fight.
And I'm going to fight Asuka at Night of Champions
until I hear, "And still, your Raw Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair."
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[Michael] Well, we may not have to wait for Night of Champions.
From behind.
The officials out here trying to keep these women separated.
Bianca Belair looking for a K.O.D.
[Wade] Asuka is in the head of Bianca Belair.
That record-breaking reign is in jeopardy at Night of Champions.
[Asuka laughs]
["Prizefighter" playing]
[Graves] We want to send a special thank you
to Blame My Youth for "Prizefighter,"
the official theme song of WWE Night of Champions.
And the song is available right now on Apple Music and Spotify.
[Michael] We are in the modern mini-City of Jeddah.
Major Port on the Red Sea
and home to the sensational City Walk.
So much to do here, so much fun to be had,
resort hotels, beaches,
also a seafront promenade down on the Red Sea as well
home tonight, Jeddah, Night of Champions.
[singer] ♪ I'm gonna win Cause I got you ringside ♪
♪ Prizefighter knock me down ♪
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] The mood's changed.
[singer] ♪ Your destiny's written All over the sky ♪
♪ You can't hide ♪
♪ I'm readin' the thoughts That take over your mind ♪
♪ Day and night ♪
[Michael] You know Corey, you have covered Asuka's career,
The Empress of Tomorrow,
ever since she came to the United States and debuted at NXT.
What is different about Asuka today than in the past?
[Graves] It's almost as though Asuka has become a little more unhinged
than in days past, if you can believe that.
Asuka seems to have really taken her focus off of the WWE Universe
and turned it back to where it belongs, on winning championships,
on doing damage to her opponents.
Asuka may be the single most lethal woman in WWE.
[Michael] And she has the single most lethal weapon in my mind,
the mist.
["You Can't Hide" continues playing]
[Michael] It was that mist that embarrassed Bianca Belair
in Bianca's hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee,
a couple of weeks ago.
[Graves] Bianca has not forgotten--
Asuka hasn't forgotten the result of their collision at WrestleMania.
[Michael] This is a WrestleMania rematch tonight.
-["Watch Me Shine" playing] -[singer] ♪ I'm on my own ♪
♪ Against the wall ♪
♪ The pressure's building But, no, I will never fall ♪
♪ Instead of crying, they hear me roar ♪
♪ And now I see that I'm way better than before ♪
♪ I never needed you at all ♪
♪ Think I'd fall down I'ma watch you fall down ♪
♪ I'm living large now I never needed you at all ♪
[Michael] You know Corey, it was in Saudi Arabia,
last year, back in 2022,
when Bianca Belair won the Elimination Chamber match.
She would go on after that victory to WrestleMania,
where she would win the Women's Championship.
And she has held it ever since including this past year's WrestleMania,
where she, as you mentioned, beat Asuka.
[Graves] And much like Asuka,
this is a very different Bianca Belair than we've seen in years past
in that Bianca has truly grown into
and embraced her role as champion.
She's always had the swagger,
she's always had the sharp tongue,
but the way Bianca carries herself these days,
the confidence she exudes in the ring,
is that befitting a champion.
[Michael] Well, she's also the longest-reigning
Women's Champion of the modern era,
is Bianca Belair.
[bell ringing]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Raw Women's Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger,
from Osaka, Japan,
Asuka.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Asuka! Asuka! Asuka
[Rome] And her opponent,
from Knoxville, Tennessee,
she is the Raw Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Michael] You know Corey, you mentioned earlier
the fact that the Street Profits, Bianca Belair among others
visited Dubai a couple of days ago.
They had some fun, visited a lot of amusement parks,
they went to the Burj Khalifa,
which is the largest building in the world,
and Bianca had a lot of fun.
I asked her yesterday, I said, "Why did you do that
so close to a championship match?"
she said, "Michael, it's because I get inside myself so much.
I get so anxious.
-I have this anxiety. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] I need to release it in other ways,
and that's how I do it,
try to have fun, try to get my mind off what I have to get into tonight."
[Graves] Well, Bianca has experienced Asuka firsthand in the past,
-which could be a key in this matchup -[Michael] Oh!
[Graves] but the devil-may-care attitude adopted recently by Asuka
also could propel her to the championship.
[Michael] And even in an interview
during the media event yesterday for Night of Champions,
-Bianca Belair did recognize… -[Graves] Oh.
[Michael] …and understand that this is a different Asuka.
And she's got to fight fire with fire here tonight.
[Graves] And I think that's what we saw there for a moment, for a glimpse,
this Bianca Belair throwing style out the window.
It's about fighting.
It's about inflicting damage on your opponent.
[Michael] Yeah, good luck, referee Jessika Carr, in this one.
Shoulder tackle by Bianca, down goes Asuka.
-And if you're-- -You want to mist me, huh?
Huh? Come on.
[Michael] Again, still upset over the embarrassment,
the humiliation she felt in her hometown of Knoxville
in front of her family and friends.
Leapfrog by Bianca.
-Asuka. -[Graves] Oh.
[Michael] Dropkick right to the midsection.
[Graves] I understand confidence is sort of her thing,
her being Bianca Belair, but you can never get overconfident
when you are in there with someone as lethal and dangerous as Asuka.
Any one of her strikes can turn a competitor's lights out.
[Michael] Asuka two-time Raw Women's Champion.
SmackDown Women's Champion. Three-time Tag Champ.
Also a winner of the Royal Rumble.
[Graves] Asuka is viciously stomping.
[Michael] So Bianca has champion's advantage tonight.
Asuka's got a pin or submit Bianca to win the title.
-So what does Bianca have to do to retain? -[Graves] Oh.
Bianca needs to stick to what brought her to the dance.
That being her power.
You're not going to win a submission matchup against Asuka. You're not--
[Jessika] Come on, keep it clean, ladies.
[Graves] You're not going to out strike Asuka.
The one thing that Bianca has that Asuka doesn't
-is that overwhelming power. -[Michael] Oh.
Well, what about Asuka?
[Graves] I think Asuka needs to show Bianca
something that Bianca hasn't seen before.
Asuka has a world of experience,
a much longer tenure in this game than Belair.
[Michael] Oh!
[Graves] Maybe Asuka can show Bianca a different look,
catch the champion off guard.
[Michael] A tremendous athleticism of the champion, Bianca Belair.
Take another look.
Oh!
[Graves] Big dropkick from her powerful legs,
takes down the challenger.
Notice how Bianca is talking a little smack to Asuka?
[Michael] Oh, I said it a number of times already.
She was really hurt, Corey, at what transpired a couple of weeks ago.
She thought Asuka was out to congratulate her
and Asuka blasted her with The Mist
and ruined her homecoming, her celebration.
[Graves] Belair launches Asuka to the outside.
-The Empress of Tomorrow is… -Come on, back it up.
[Graves] …seeking a momentary respite.
And-- I was going to say it's a smart strategy by Belair.
Stand your ground in the ring,
make the challenger work her way back in.
[Michael] Asuka using Bianca's hair against her.
Driving the champ into the steps.
[Graves] Look at the sadistic smile on the face of the challenger.
Oh, how proud of herself Asuka may be.
[Michael] As much as the hair has helped Bianca in the past
it also can be a detriment as you just saw.
[Graves] And opponents learn from these things.
If you don't--
perhaps you find yourself overwhelmed by Bianca's power in a matchup.
You realize if you ever get another chance,
you're going to approach it differently.
[Michael] Oh, German suplex release.
Asuka is a bit off.
Oh, running knee.
Cover on the champion.
-Is it enough to… -[crowd] One, two…
[Michael] …win the matchup, and a kick out by Belair.
And now Asuka looking for an arm bar.
[Graves] Is that meant to be an insult or an observation?
[Michael] An observation.
[Graves] Asuka is slinking into the armbar
-to Belair stacking the shoulders. -One, two…
[Michael] Smart.
Oh, and a kick again to the arm
as you see Asuka beginning to weaken the arm of Belair.
Now, this does numerous things.
It takes the power away from the champion.
It sets you up for the armbar or the Asuka Lock.
[Graves] And it was a strategy employed to great effect at Backlash
by Iyo Sky of Damage CTRL as she challenged Bianca Belair.
Iyo focused on the arm and very nearly dethroned the EST.
-[Michael] Belair rolling Asuka up. -One, two.
[Michael] Shoulders down. Kick out by Asuka at two.
Belair, again, showing off her power.
Went for a vertical suplex. Asuka, though…
-One, two… -[Michael] …able to change direction
and pin the champ momentarily.
Clothesline. Again, a cover by Asuka. Frequent covers here
against the champion to try to wear Belair down.
[Graves] And the challenger still grinning from ear-to-ear.
[Michael] Clown like.
[Graves] And imagine being Bianca Belair
and in the heat of battle against the challenger,
coming for your championship
and then you have to lock eyes
with the sadistic face paint of Asuka.
If that doesn't break you emotionally, I don't know what will.
[Michael] How do you even prepare for Asuka?
[Graves] She's been screaming at her entire career
that no one is ready for Asuka.
[Michael] Changes things up each and every night.
Again, continues to focus on the arm of Belair.
Big smile on Asuka's face as well
as Belair tries to fight back to a vertical base.
[Graves] And Asuka just relying on her submission skills,
her knowledge of the human anatomy,
realizing where to place the pressure, exerting minimal effort.
[Michael] Oh, and again using the hair to her advantage, is Asuka.
[Graves] Look how proud Asuka seems to be of herself.
[crowd chanting] Asuka! Asuka! Asuka!
[Graves] Just disrespect for the champion.
Yes.
[Michael] Not sure what she's thinking there,
but Belair, maybe took too much time than Asuka. And Belair…
[Graves] Look at Asuka trying to strike her way back.
Bianca a step ahead.
It's got to be disheartening for the champion
to see your challenger just smiling at you.
[Michael] Oh!
[Graves] Almost mocking you in the heat of battle.
It's an old Muhammad Ali-ism to--
one of the hardest parts of being a great fighter,
is to remain calm in the heat of battle
and that's exactly what we're seeing from Asuka to this point.
[Michael] Both women down.
Critical moment of this match for Belair's Raw Women's Championship.
Asuka back to her feet.
Belair uses the ropes to get back to hers.
Belair just continuing to try to keep Asuka away.
Lands on her feet and down goes Asuka.
Now Belair is trying to build some momentum.
[Graves] And this is what Asuka needed to avoid,
because once Belair gets rolling, she's like a runaway train.
[Michael] Belair with a suplex
and a kip up, and now the champ's feeling it.
Burying her shoulder in the midsection.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Heavy hammer fists from the champion.
[crowd] …four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven.
[Michael] Asuka, though, able to slip out underneath,
and again, using the hair.
Don't mess with me now, come on. One. Come one.
-[Michael] Asuka's got to be careful. -Two.
[Graves] Great maneuver by Belair into the backbreaker.
[Michael] Knee right to the spine.
And Belair, there's the moonsault,
cover to retain the championship.
Asuka kicks at two.
[crowd chanting] Asuka! Asuka! Asuka!
Asuka! Asuka! Asuka!
[Graves] We've already crowned a New World Heavyweight Champion.
We got a championship match happening right now.
Lesnar and Rhodes in a fight still to come tonight.
[Michael] Not to mention Roman and Solo going after the tag champs,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Rhea Ripley still to defend tonight.
This is Night of Champions at the Jeddah Superdome.
Asuka looking to win the Raw Women's Championship
for what would be the third time in her career.
[Graves] Kick right to the body of the champion,
and now the challenger making the climb to the middle rope.
[Michael] And Belair meets her there.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Now Belair looking to out power the challenger.
[Graves] Asuka with the short jabs to the body.
[Michael] Asuka has been through all the battles.
She's prepared for everything. Missile dropkick, down goes Belair.
Asuka quickly to the cover.
Is this enough to win the championship?
Belair has to kick out at two.
[Graves] Take a look at the impact on this dropkick by Asuka.
Right on the money.
Right to the heart of the champion and look at the smile
on the face of Asuka yet again.
Forget about Art the Clown, Pennywise the clown,
Asuka number one on the list.
Most terrifying right now.
[Michael] Yeah, no clowning around here either
as she looks to take the title from Belair.
But again, Bianca winning the strength game.
-[Graves] Uh-oh. -[Michael] Again looking for an armbar.
[Graves] You can have all the strength in the world,
but if you have a competitor who understands momentum
and body weight like Asuka does, the strength doesn't need to be a factor.
[Michael] If Belair taps, Asuka wins the championship.
And Belair…
hoisting Asuka up with the strength.
Asuka trying to fight out of it.
And Belair just plants the challenger.
Stacks her up to retain.
Kick out at two.
[Graves] Take a look at the impact
upon landing for the challenger.
Watch Asuka's-- oh,
spiked into the center of the ring by the champion.
But credit to the challenger, Asuka is hanging in this fight.
[Michael] It has been quite the night with still so much more to come
at Night of Champions
in the Superdome in Jeddah, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Bianca Belair, the Raw Women's Champion,
-Asuka, the challenger. -[Graves] Oh, wait.
[Michael] Looking for the Asuka Lock. Trying to wrap the legs.
-[Graves] Belair is in trouble. -[Michael] Asuka.
Belair has to roll through.
Shoulders down and a kick out.
[Graves] The challenger had the wherewithal enough
to release the hold as to not be pinned.
Shoulders down again.
[Michael] For the title, Belair able to reverse.
-Backslide. -One, two…
-[Graves] How fast is Asuka? -[Michael] And a kick
-to the side of the face. -[Graves] Oh, my God.
[Michael] Asuka almost won the title there.
Watch the velocity of this kick.
Wow.
[Graves] Just as impressive as the speed was the sickening thud at its conclusion.
Shocked that Belair was able to survive.
And Asuka looks eager to pour on more punishment.
One. Come on.
Two.
Three.
[Michael] That's what she's doing, she is punishing the champion.
Asuka driven through the ropes out to the floor.
Still hanging on to the hair of Belair, dragging the champion out.
Belair prevents herself from going into the steps
and catches Asuka with a back elbow.
And now it's Asuka into the steps.
Bring it inside.
[Graves] Asuka driven spine first by Belair.
But Bianca has sustained a great deal of damage to this point
as we look yet again at the impact
-of Asuka's body meeting the stairs. -[referee] Two…
[Michael] Belair into the ring. Asuka drags her back out.
[referee] …three,
four,
five…
[Michael] Referee Jessika Carr at a count of five.
Now at a count of six as they brawl outside the ring.
[referee] …seven.
[Graves] Interesting strategy by Belair.
Putting the challenger in the ring first and allowing Asuka to gain the upper hand.
That tiny little error by the champion, a rare mistake could cost Bianca.
[Michael] Yeah, but Belair now able to counter.
-[Graves] Just battering the challenger. -[referee] Let's go.
Listen to me. Center of the ring.
-Let's go. -Okay, wait.
[Michael] The official--
[Graves] Hey, that's one way to get your game plan
-back on track. -[Michael] Right?
[Graves] Just swing until your opponent stops moving forward.
[referee] Now get out of here, come on.
[Michael] And again, Belair continues the pressure.
Belair has been ticked off since this match begun.
Get off. Get off.
[Michael] Oh, and Asuka went for The Mist.
Bianca Belair able to scoot out of harm's way.
You wanna mist me?
And she averted disaster there.
-[Graves] Around we go. -[Michael] Looking for the K.O.D.
[Graves] Great counter by Asuka.
[Michael] Down goes Belair. Armbar again.
Is the champ going to tap out?
Will the champ tap to Asuka?
[Graves] Belair stacking the challenger again.
[Michael] Asuka wisely getting her shoulders up.
Now Belair powering the challenger up
and spiking her.
This is the miss of The Mist.
[Graves] Say that three times fast.
Luckily for the champion,
Belair was able to get out of the way just in time.
Bianca now favoring her right arm, it appears,
rather heavily after it's been the focus of Asuka's attacks
for the past several minutes.
[Michael] Asuka outside the ring.
[referee] Hey, hey, hey. Back it up. Let's go. One.
[Michael] Asuka just throwing that wicked mist all over her hand.
Now Belair looking for the K.O.D.
And Asuka using The Mist, putting The Mist in Bianca's eyes.
The official didn't see it.
The official was blinded.
Asuka with a kick to the back of the neck.
Here's the cover by Asuka.
-We got a new champion. -[bell rings]
[Michael] She did it.
["The Future" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner
and the new
Raw Women's Champion,
Asuka.
[Michael] Corey, Mist to the eyes, but not in the traditional way.
Asuka steals the Women's Championship.
You can call it underhanded, you can call it trickery,
call it whatever you will,
but just make sure you call Asuka champion.
[Graves] This is the miss of The Mist earlier on.
So what does Asuka do?
She actually puts The Mist in her hand.
She…
[Michael] Notice how Asuka had her fingers taped.
This is a technique, I believe, she may have learned
from the Legendary Great Muta in years past.
Went to the eyes of the champion and a series of brutal knockout kicks.
I can't believe I'm saying this, takes down the EST.
[Graves] Asuka has ended
the longest reign in the modern era…
of any Women's Champion.
Belair is blinded.
Belair is in shock as we all are,
because Asuka "The Empress Of Tomorrow"
is once again on the top of the world.
Play Misty for me, Asuka.
The new Women's Champion.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Let's take yet another look
at how Asuka gained the Women's Championship,
going to the eyes of Bianca Belair.
Legal? No.
Effective?
Incredibly.
The second of two epic kicks
from The Empress Of Tomorrow,
and new.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] From Friday Night SmackDown, on the right
"The Harbinger Of Doom" Karrion Kross, on the left,
"The Mythical Mystic" Scarlett,
ready to raise hell on Friday nights on Fox.
["New Foundation" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And Happy Birthday
to the veteran of the women's division, Natalya.
What a birthday gift it would be
to win the SmackDown Women's Title here tonight.
[Graves] It was here in Saudi Arabia where Natalya had the honor
of competing in the first-ever women's match in WWE history,
and Nattie told me earlier today,
she feels such a strong connection with this country and its people.
Tonight could be magical for Natalya.
[Michael] Natalya and Lacey Evans involved in that first matchup
here in Saudi Arabia.
Natalya, the winningest woman in the history of WWE.
She told me today that she's
not looking necessarily to get her hand raised, although that would be awesome,
but she wants to keep her head raised
in a performance against Rhea Ripley here tonight.
[Graves] Nattie told me the Women's Locker Room
has been extremely supportive of Rhea Ripley as champion,
but the Locker Room doesn't feel as though
Rhea has returned any respect.
It's as though Rhea carries herself as above and beyond all the other women
on the roster, and Natalya doesn't care for that.
[Michael] She's called Rhea a once-in-a-lifetime generational star.
But Natalya said, "I will not be overlooked
in everything that I've accomplished."
Truly she is, Natalya, one of the great trailblazers
for the Women's Division in WWE.
[Graves] Absolutely, this matchup is about the championship
and then some, mainly respect.
[singer] ♪ This is my brutality ♪
["Demon in Your Dreams" playing]
[singer] ♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
♪ The demons in your dreams ♪
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
♪ Look at my eyes, do they look alive? ♪
[Michael] A motivator, an incinerator,
an eradicator.
Rhea Ripley, we talked about this earlier today, Corey.
Rhea Ripley has everything.
She is the full package in what it means to be a star in WWE.
[Graves] I could not agree with you any more.
We have watched the evolution of Rhea Ripley from a starry-eyed rookie
in NXT to one of the most dominant women walking planet earth these days.
Not to mention, she's got one of the world's most
dangerous men standing by her side just in case.
Look, Cole, I know you got personal feelings
against Dominik for whatever reason.
Maybe he forgot to walk your dog when he was a child or whatever,
but the fact is Dominik has meant nothing but great things for Rhea Ripley.
[Michael] Speaking of nothing, sweet nothing
is whispered in the ear of Dominik by Rhea there.
Rhea, of course, pinned Charlotte Flair
to win this championship back at WrestleMania.
She went wire to wire in the Royal Rumble, entering at number one,
lasting over one hour one minute.
And she has 20 career eliminations in that event.
[Graves] Much like we heard earlier in the night, Seth "Freakin" Rollins
speak about the importance of change in WWE.
Rhea believes the same thing, but Rhea is looking to change WWE
in her own way, into her own image as she sees fit.
Since aligning with the Judgment Day,
-it's been all success. -[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the SmackDown
Women's Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[Rome] Introducing the challenger,
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
Natalya.
[crowd cheering]
[Rome] And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by Dominik Mysterio,
representing The Judgment Day,
she is the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Rhea Ripley.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] That's what it's all about,
the SmackDown Women's Championship.
It has been trapped in a death grip by Rhea Ripley
and shows no signs of loosening, look at Dominik.
You don't stand an absolute chance.
What? You don't stand a chance.
[bell rings]
[Michael] Oh, Dominik created the distraction.
And as the bell rings, Rhea Ripley quickly on the attack
blindsiding Natalya.
[Graves] It's obvious Natalya couldn't take her eyes off of Dominik
and his boyish charms
and Nattie paid for it.
[Michael] Natalya face-first off our Arabic announce table.
You think you can step in the ring with me?
Oh!
Rhea said that Natalya got in her way,
that she was going to make an example of Natalya tonight,
and she's doing just that.
[Graves] Nattie instantly favoring her right knee.
[Michael] And Rhea Ripley…
hoping to make short work of Natalya.
[Graves] Already?
Wow.
[Michael] Already.
Riptide.
[referee] One, two, three. Ring the bell.
[bell rings]
["Demon in Your Dreams" playing]
[Rome] Here is your winner and still
the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Rhea Ripley.
[Graves] She doesn't get paid by the hour, folks.
[Michael] Are you going to thank Dominik?
[Graves] Why would I thank Dominik?
[Michael] Because he's the one who forced the distraction.
Natalya couldn't even get out of the blocks after the attack by Ripley.
[Graves] How did Dominik force the distraction?
By existing?
[Michael] He was screaming at Natalya.
[Graves] Dominik is spoken for, he is taken.
[Michael] He's a fool is what he is.
But nonetheless, Rhea Ripley is dominant again tonight
as she retains the Women's Championship.
Natalya never had a chance.
[Graves] This is how it started.
Natalya asking Dominik for his phone number to her own detriment.
[Michael] Oh, my God. I called Dominik a fool.
Rhea Ripley would just go on to beat the hell out of Natalya.
[Graves] Rhea was defending her man.
Natalya brought this upon herself, including this thunderous Riptide.
-[referee] One, two, three. Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[Michael] Fans in disbelief.
But Rhea Ripley's dominant reign continues.
Have a cry Nattie, have a cry.
[Graves] I think they're also a little shocked to realize
-how handsome Dominik is in person. -Happy birthday, sweetheart.
[Dominik] You want to go buy her a cake?
Buy her flowers.
[Michael] But no one except Rhea Ripley.
[Graves] You calling Rhea a liar, Cole?
[yells]
You're all pathetic.
[laughs]
[Graves] Let's take another look at this.
Just unbridled power by Rhea Ripley.
[Michael] And then the celebration of all celebrations.
[Graves] What a pair.
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen, we crowned a brand-new
World Heavyweight Champion tonight.
He's standing by with our colleague,
-Byron Saxton. -Happy birthday, Nattie.
Mwah.
I just spotted him and we are about to get a word with the new
World Heavyweight Champion, Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Congratulations.
-How does it feel? -Sax, man.
Say it again and this time put some stank on it.
The New World Heavyweight Champion, Seth…
[both] …"Freakin" Rollins.
And it feels and it feels and it feels…
right, my man.
It feels right.
It has been nearly four years
since I have held championship gold
on my shoulder, and I am walking out of Night of Champions
just like I said I would, World Heavyweight Champion. [laughs]
Well, I know it feels right, right now,
but I got to ask you about the future.
What does the future of Monday Night Raw
look like with Seth Rollins on top?
Ooh, Sax, you know what they say.
The more things change,
the more they stay the same because I am going to do
what I have always done,
and that is show up every single Monday night,
including live this Monday night on Raw,
but this time it's going to be a little bit different
because I've got World Heavyweight Championship things
to tend to because I am a visionary,
I am a revolutionary.
And finally, once again,
I am a World Heavyweight Champion.
Say it with me.
[both] Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[laughs]
Change is coming.
Big things in store for Monday Night Raw.
Congratulations again to Seth "Freakin" Rollins
on becoming World Heavyweight Champion.
Well, big things are coming up next
at Night of Champions because The Beast
has prey in his sights
and he smells blood.
Brock Lesnar broke Cody Rhodes' arm this past Monday night.
Now he wanted to break all of the American Nightmare.
[Cody] When I first came back,
I was talking about finishing the story.
Now our unfinished tale
Brock Lesnar, you are a coward.
has a whole New wrinkle to it.
At Backlash, I had the daunting task of competing against The Beast.
And here is what I discovered.
I discovered what Brock Lesnar is made of
because it was literally all over my fists.
I discovered that Brock Lesnar
can be defeated because, at Backlash,
I beat Brock Lesnar.
Now that Brock Lesnar is thankfully in the rearview mirror,
it is very clear what is next for me.
It is the World Heavyweight Championship.
[Michael] Cody's feeling it.
Cross Rhodes.
Can Cody Rhodes put away The Miz to advance?
[Graves] Wait, wait, wait.
What the hell?
Brock Lesnar.
F-5 to Cody Rhodes.
Unfinished business with Cody Rhodes.
Good God.
[Brock] Look at this face.
[distorted voice] Look at this face.
[normal voice] I want to talk about me.
Me, me, me.
Cody Rhodes,
you want to take credit for this, Cody?
I want to fight.
Night of Champions.
Who is the coward now?
[Cody] Obviously now I don't get to be the first World Heavyweight Champion.
You want to fight, Brock Lesnar?
You want to fight me?
Against all my better judgment, here's what I have to say,
I gladly accept Brock Lesnar's challenge at Night of Champions.
This isn't about a championship,
this is about who is the big thing
on Monday Night Raw.
[Patrick] "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes arriving to--
[women screaming]
[Cody screaming]
[Brock] Unfortunately, Cody will not be fighting Brock Lesnar
at Night of Champions.
[Graves] There's a fine line between bravery and insanity,
and Cody Rhodes is a man walking that very line.
And the Kimura is in.
[Graves] Oh, my God.
I think Lesnar just broke his arm.
[Triple H] I can tell by the look in your face,
you know damn well it's broken.
I understand you're afraid.
Afraid? What do I have at this point to be afraid of?
I am going to Night of Champions.
I am going to fight Brock Lesnar.
[dramatic music playing]
["Next Big Thing" playing]
[fireworks pop]
[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Minneapolis, Minnesota,
weighing in at 286 pounds,
Brock Lesnar.
[Michael] All right. Corey, it is bad enough going into the ring
against the greatest combat sports athlete ever when you're 100%.
You got to have a screw loose to want to get in the ring
with this man with a broken freaking arm.
[Graves] I completely agree with you.
Most men can't stand a chance against Brock Lesnar
with two functional arms and maybe a weapon of some sort.
We are dealing with the most decorated athlete
in combat sports history, and Lesnar is angry.
[Michael] He's still got a wound, a scar on his forehead from where Cody
busted him open back at Backlash, when Cody Rhodes,
in many people's minds, stole a victory over Lesnar.
That just ticked this man off and Brock is out for revenge here tonight.
[Graves] The Beast is ready to feast.
["Kingdom" playing]
[Cody] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
[crowd cheering]
[singer] ♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
[crowd] ♪ Whoa ♪
[singer] ♪ And my father said ♪
♪ When I was younger… ♪
[Rome] And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes.
[singer] ♪ I built my kingdom ♪
[Michael] Yeah. Cody Rhodes is not complaining, he's not made any excuses.
However, I did talk to WWE medical personnel earlier today
who told me that Cody Rhodes
has what's called a distal radius fracture.
It's a broken arm down in the forearm area.
Now, you will see-- the doctors are showing me this earlier today.
On his left arm, that is an exos cast.
It is made of titanium.
Now, this is on Cody's arm for strength, support.
It provides rigid-- rigidity for Cody Rhodes
to be able to attempt to Battle Brock Lesnar tonight.
[crowd] ♪ Whoa ♪
[Graves] Well, we have seen Cody conquer injury-related adversity in the past.
Who will ever forget one of the most amazing displays
of toughness ever in WWE shown by Cody inside Hell in a Cell?
Unfortunately, I think The Nightmare may have tempted fate once too often.
[singer] ♪ Here to change the game… ♪
[Michael] Look at the smile on the face of Brock Lesnar.
He's a shark in the water and Cody Rhodes is bleeding profusely,
and Lesnar realizes it, and he's ready to strike.
[singer] ♪ I am my kingdom ♪
♪ You tried to tell me what to do ♪
♪ I saw the door and kicked it down ♪
♪ I stepped right over and right… ♪
[Michael] I mean--
and there is the, uh, the exos cast
we were telling you about
on the broken left arm of Cody Rhodes.
If you're Cody Rhodes, Corey,
what on earth do you do? I know you got to survive, but how?
[Graves] Listen, I think in this instance, Cody's guts may actually be a detriment.
He's got to outsmart Lesnar if that's possible.
Cody's going to have to win this match by strategy, not by brute force.
[Michael] Keep the arm away from Brock.
Brock perhaps the most dangerous man in the history of WWE.
A smile on his face. Cody looks to, uh,
play a bit of cat and mouse with Lesnar.
[Graves] It's a tricky scenario because simultaneously
Rhodes needs to get close enough to strike Brock Lesnar,
but also needs to remain far enough away from Brock to not engage completely.
[Michael] Use his quickness. Cody ducks out of the ring,
trying to, uh, lure Brock Lesnar out.
-One. -You wanted to fight?
-[Eddie] Two. -[Cody] Come on, Brock.
[Graves] Cody just asked Brock if you want to fight.
It was like Cody said the magic word and here comes The Beast.
[Michael] Yeah, and here comes Cody Rhodes,
and Cody luring, drawing Lesnar into the ring.
Cody on the attack, but Lesnar now drives him into the corner.
And Brock Lesnar burying shoulders in the midsection
of Cody Rhodes, and again and again.
[Eddie] Three.
[Michael] Cody huffing for air and a suplex.
And it looked like Cody landed on the arm.
[Michael] I believe Cody landed on the arm when he came down off that suplex.
[Graves] And that's going to happen more often than you would think.
Any time your back makes impact,
generally, the human anatomy spreads your arms to mitigate the impact.
[Michael] Another belly-to-belly.
[Graves] To spread the impact throughout your body
which is how you're able to get up.
[Michael] …this is the first one. This is what we talked about.
He landed right on the injured arm.
Now a lot was made this week by, Corey,
and I guess people who wanted to believe, right, wanted a miracle,
they were talking about how it's Cody's left arm,
Cody's right-handed.
He could use his right hand more often than not.
But to your point, the left hand comes into play
so much in this matchup.
As you see again here for the third belly-to-belly,
and again to the broken arm of Cody Rhodes.
[Graves] If a competitor throws a right hand at you,
it's nature to block it with your left hand.
-[crowd chanting] -[Graves] Is Cody going to be able
to play defense in any capacity?
[Michael] We saw Eddie Orengo go down and check.
He's the official to check on Cody Rhodes.
And again, I'm not sure what Cody was thinking.
You know, take four weeks off, do this match down the road.
Oh, but wait a minute.
Cody delivered that with a left hand,
and now I believe he understands that he could use his cast as a weapon.
[Graves] Did you just say that thing was made of titanium, Cole?
[Michael] Titanium, and Lesnar now feeling it.
Lesnar's stunned.
Lesnar's eyes rolled in the back of his head.
Cody Rhodes driving Brock outside the ring,
and Rhodes realizing he has a chance.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Cody.
[Michael] Oh, and again with the cast across the face of Lesnar.
Rhodes' using it as a weapon.
Brock's in trouble.
[Graves] Cody making the climb to the top rope.
[Michael] Cody with the titanium exos cast.
[Michael] Into the cover for an amazing victory,
and Lesnar kicks out at two.
[Graves] Let's take another look at this.
Rhodes launching himself to the outside.
The Beast making contact with our announce table,
but how freaking tough does Brock Lesnar have to be
to recover after being battered with that exos cast?
[Michael] Oh, there it is. Cody Rhodes, Disaster Kick.
The question is, did Brock Lesnar inadvertently make a strategic error?
-[Graves] Cody Cutter. -[Michael] Cody Cutter.
Cover by Rhodes.
Hook of the leg for the win, and a kick out.
Did Brock inadvertently
make a strategic error when he broke Rhodes' arm?
Because it gave Rhodes a weapon against The Beast.
[Graves] I'm sure that wasn't Lesnar's thinking at the time,
but as this match progresses, you might be right.
It looks like Cody starting to find that magic inside.
That's the same look we saw in the cell.
[Michael] Cody Rhodes has Lesnar where he wants him.
Cross Rhodes to Brock.
[Graves] Delivering Cross Rhodes, Cody needed to use his left arm. Look.
[Michael] Trying to fight through the broken arm.
Lesnar stunned.
Brock has no idea what hit him.
Cody Rhodes again…
Get up, Brock.
[Michael] …putting Lesnar in position for a second Cross Rhodes.
[Graves] I cannot believe Cody's doing this again.
-Hey, Brock, you wanna stop this? -No.
[Graves] What a tolerance for pain this man has.
[Graves] That's one of the toughest sons of guns to ever step in a ring.
Come on.
[Michael] Cody going for the trifecta perhaps.
[Michael] And Brock, kimura, kimura, kimura.
Brock with a kimura…
You wanna stop this?
[Michael] …on the bad arm, the broken arm.
-[Graves] Stop the match, Eddie. -Cody, how about it?
[Michael] Cody trying to hang in there.
Trying to make it to the rope but the point is,
you know damn well Cody's not going to tap.
Brock Lesnar's going to try to break his arm again
in this same spot.
[Graves] Brock is gonna destroy Cody's career.
[Graves] Stop the match, Eddie.
Cody's not going to quit.
[Michael] Cody Rhodes has got too much damn heart.
[Eddie] Cody, talk to me.
-[Michael] Cody trying to hang in. -[Eddie] Cody, you want me to ring it?
[Michael] This is a career-threatening situation.
Cody, do you give up?
-No. -What do you say?
He says no.
[Michael] Cody trying to-- that's how he beat Brock at Backlash,
-but not tonight. -Cody, what do you say?
[Eddie] Cody, do you give up?
[Graves] The Beast is not gonna fall for it twice.
[Michael] Cody has yet to tap.
How much does Rhodes have left?
The kimura is in again.
This time, Brock rolls through.
[Graves] Oh, God.
[Michael] And now Brock's got all his body weight,
the pressure to Rhodes.
[Eddie] What do you say, Cody?
-No. -[Eddie] Cody, talk to me.
Do you want me to stop this?
Cody, talk to me.
[Michael] Cody's trapped.
Cody has nowhere to go.
[Eddie] Do you give up?
Cody?
I can stop this.
[Michael] Cody fading.
Cody fading.
Cody, you want to stop this?
Cody?
-No. -No. No.
[Michael] He's still in this.
How on earth is Cody Rhodes still in this match?
[Graves] Cody's a danger to himself right now.
Lesnar has got a Vise Grip in that kimura.
[Michael] There's no way out of this for Cody Rhodes.
There's absolutely no way.
The way that's Lesnar's positioned here,
there's no way that Rhodes makes it out of the kimura.
[Graves] At this rate, Brock may fly home with Cody's arm.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Cody!
[Michael] Trying to make it to the rope, but you got to move that massive man.
Cody is almost there.
Cody's almost to the bottom rope, but not quite.
-And he gets there. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] You got to be kidding me.
[Eddie] Cody, talk to me.
[Michael] Cody made it to the rope to force the break, but…
[Graves] There's a look of disbelief on Lesnar's face.
[Michael] There's nothing left.
I mean, there can't be anything left in Cody Rhodes.
[Graves] Oh, no.
[Michael] And Cody, another Cross Rhodes.
[Graves] How?
[Michael] Rhodes for the win.
Oh, my goodness, Lesnar kicked at two.
Cody Rhodes is not human.
[Graves] Unfortunately for Cody, neither is Brock Lesnar,
and The Beast is still in this fight as much as Cody.
I don't know where Rhodes had the will
to deliver that Cross Rhodes yet again
with basically one functional arm.
-Oh, no. -[Michael] And again
using the cast as a weapon.
Trying to bash in the face of The Beast.
Lesnar trying to power Cody up.
[Graves] Freakish strength.
[Michael] This time, he hits with the F-5.
This is the damnedest match I've ever witnessed.
Cover by Lesnar.
[crowd] One. Two--
[Michael] Cody Rhodes is surviving.
[Graves] Look at this.
Brock Lesnar F-5.
And somehow, someway, Cody Rhodes is still in this matchup.
You can hear Lesnar howl "What?"
when Rhodes kicked out after the F-5.
[crowd chanting]
[Graves] And now again, Lesnar looking for the kimura
on the broken arm of Cody Rhodes.
And how much does Cody have left now?
-[Graves] Get in there, ref. -[Eddie] Cody, do you give up?
[Graves] He's going to take Cody's shoulder next.
[Eddie] What do you say, Cody?
-[Michael] Again, Lesnar… -[Eddie] Cody, what do you say?
[Michael] …with an almost inescapable position here for Cody Rhodes.
Too far from the ropes.
-Cody has nothing left. -[bell ringing]
-[Graves] Thank God. -[Michael] It's over.
-[Graves] Thank God. -[Michael] It is over.
-Cody Rhodes. -[Graves] Get Brock off.
-[bell ringing] -[Graves] Eddie, do something.
[Michael] You're going to need a damn army to get Lesnar off Cody Rhodes.
Get in there and do something.
[crowd booing]
["Next Big Thing" playing]
[Michael] Cody Rhodes never tapped out.
Cody Rhodes passed out
in one of the most gutsy performances I have ever witnessed.
[Graves] I agree with the guts,
but, Cole, uh, honestly, maybe Cody should've tapped out sooner.
You have to wonder what sort of irreparable damage
Cody might have suffered in that matchup just for pride.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] And The Beast Incarnate stands tall
over a broken American Nightmare.
[Michael] Cody Rhodes almost found a way,
but in the end, the most dangerous man in WWE history
proved to the world why that is.
[Graves] We need medical…
[Graves] We need doctors out here.
["Next Big Thing" continues]
["Prizefighter" playing]
[Michael] Tonight, Night of Champions is in Jeddah,
a modern Port City which annually welcomes millions of pilgrims
from around the world as the gateway for the holy city of Mecca.
Jeddah, a bustling cosmopolitan seaside city.
We are here at the Jeddah Dome tonight for Night of Champions.
Jeddah is different.
[singer] ♪ A comeback story underdog Knockin' 'em out cold ♪
♪ Pick me up off the floor ♪
♪ Heal the cut Back for more ♪
[Michael] Well, this coming Monday night on Raw,
we are going to crown brand new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
It is a Fatal 4-Way Match,
pitting Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi, Bayley and Iyo Sky,
Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green, and Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey.
[singer] ♪ We on the verge And it feels like greatness ♪
[Michael] Let's see a closer look at the baddest woman on the planet.
The Baddest Woman on the Planet.
[commentator] We're talking about a woman who changed the entire sports industry.
She became a household name by defying odds.
[Ronda] My entire career,
I've been knocking down doors in judo, in the UFC.
She's been such a pioneer
in helping change the way women are treated in sport.
[singer] ♪ This one goes out To the ladies ♪
♪ Who do big things and go crazy ♪
[Ronda] All the women were kind of
politely asking for permission to change the world.
That doesn't really work very well.
[singer] ♪ I'm the one that's doing damage While I'm posing for the cameras ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Oh, my God.
The rumors are true.
Ronda Rousey is here.
[Paul] WWE signing Ronda Rousey meant
that everyone's game had to be upped or you were going to be left behind.
[Graves] Look in the eyes of Ronda Rousey.
[Ronda] I am the most dangerous woman on the planet.
[Michael] Oh, my God. Look at the arm.
The first woman in history to win a UFC championship
and the WWE Women's title.
[Graves] She's the baddest woman to headline WrestleMania.
[commentator] Ronda Rousey wins the Royal Rumble match.
[Graves] Rousey shocks the world once again.
[Michael] She wins her first-ever SmackDown Women's Championship
beating one of the all-time greats.
[Paul] If you have barriers, if you have glass ceilings,
don't let Ronda Rousey in
because she's going to smash them all.
[singer] ♪ This is an anthem For the champions ♪
[Ronda] This is a relay from generation to generation.
I took the torch and carried it
and I will continue carrying it
until it's time for the next person to take it.
[singer] ♪ This is an anthem For the champions ♪
[Ronda] Do you know what's better than money?
Revenge.
Let me know when you're ready to break some bones
-and take over the show. -[Michael] Ronda Rousey told Shayna,
"It's time for you to be a killer again."
[commentator] They ruled by fear.
Many of their opponents have lost before the match even starts.
[commentator] What the hell?
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.
Raquel Rodriguez, everybody.
What are you supposed to do with that title?
Defend it.
[Michael] We got a lot of big stars here tonight.
Perhaps the biggest, "The Nigerian Nightmare" Omos,
one of the largest men on the planet enjoying Night of Champions.
[Graves] Cole, it's hard to believe as we stare
at a true wonder of nature in Omos.
It is Money in the Bank season again.
[Michael] What would Omos do in Money in the Bank?
[Graves] I don't think he'd need the ladder,
but the concept is simple for most.
You climb the ladder.
You retrieve the briefcase which contains a contract
for a championship opportunity at the time and place of your choosing.
And starting this week, Superstars will be given a chance
to earn their way into this career-altering match
beginning this Monday on Raw
and continuing Friday night on SmackDown.
And speaking of Friday night on SmackDown big celebration on the way.
No doubt about it.
One thousand days for The Tribal Chief.
Roman Reigns will be in the house to celebrate his epic, historic
record-breaking reign as champion.
[Michael] Actually, tonight marks the night that Roman Reigns
celebrates his 1000th day as champion.
Sami Zayn, however, wants to ruin the party.
Coming up next, it is our third of our three main events here tonight.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn defending the undisputed tag team titles
against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa
with Roman's bloodline crumbling around him.
[tense music playing]
[Roman] What y'all think was going to happen?
You thought you were just going to lose in the main event of WrestleMania
and we weren't going to talk about it?
[Michael] Stunner.
Helluva Kick.
[crowd] One. Two. Three.
-[Michael] The Bloodline be damned. -[bell ringing]
[Roman] You come out here. You embarrass me.
You misrepresent me, The Bloodline, and our family.
Apologize.
He's joking right?
Are you laughing?
I'd apologize.
Who's a-- who's a-- who's a clown?
You gonna do something?
Hey, man. We apologize.
We apologize, Uce.
You give us one more shot.
We'll bring back the championships to The Bloodline, Uce.
Wise Man, fill them in.
The undisputed tag team titles come home
when Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
will lose the tag team championship
to Solo
and Roman Reigns.
Roman Reigns has gone unchecked for far too long,
and now, Roman, we are going to check you.
Roman, you psycho. You want these championships?
You can't have them.
-["Done With That" playing] -[singer] ♪ Uso ♪
[Jey] Y'all so worried about tomorrow night.
You got a bigger problem standing in front of your face.
I got this. You know what?
Acknowledge this.
He can call himself The Head of the Table all he wants.
I'm looking at the heart of that table right in front of me,
but that's not how he treats you, is it?
Get out. You embarrass me.
I don't like it when my cousins lose.
[Kevin] He treats you guys like you're disposable.
Solo stepped up.
I'm going to tag you in.
He uses you.
Right in front of you is the best damn tag team in the world.
So when it comes to Jimmy and Jey, The Usos,
when it comes to the day ones, hey, Uce, I am The Tribal Chief.
-[tense music playing] -[crowd gasping]
[crowd cheering]
[tense music playing]
Hey, Roman.
You know it's over, right?
You know the Bloodline is collapsing
and it's all your fault.
[Michael] Owens with a stunner to Reigns.
[suspenseful music playing]
Solo, pick him up.
[Michael] Spear.
[dramatic music playing]
["Head of the Table" playing]
[explosions bang]
["Head of the Table" continues]
[Michael] One thousand days as champion.
[Graves] Dominance personified.
[Michael] The fifth longest reign in WWE history.
Up next,
1,027 days set by Pedro Morales
nearly 50 years ago.
[Michael] And tonight, you notice
there are no Usos accompanying Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa to the ring.
Cracks seem to be erupting within The Bloodline.
Jimmy Uso last night on SmackDown
committing blasphemy in Roman Reigns' world
saying that "I am The Tribal Chief."
So tonight, Reigns and Solo do it alone.
["Head of the Table" continues]
Roman Reigns has dedicated this matchup to his father, his uncle,
the Hall of Famers, the great Wild Samoans.
[Graves] While Roman and Solo may not have the same tenure as a tag team,
tag team wrestling is something of a family business
beyond the Wild Samoans.
Once upon a time, before they were Headshrinkers
known as the Samoan SWAT Team,
the Great Samu and Fatu
who happens to be the father of, yep, Solo Sikoa and The Usos.
And the SST was infamously led to battle
by a very young "Wiseman" Paul Heyman.
[Graves] If Roman and Solo win tonight,
they may need a brinks truck just to make their entrance.
[fireworks explode]
[Michael] Roman Reigns would become the only man
in WWE history
to hold four different championships simultaneously
if he wins this match tonight.
He has not been pinned or submitted
since December of 2019.
[Graves] In a relatively short period of time,
Solo, the enforcer of The Bloodline,
has become one of the most feared superstars
on the WWE roster.
[crowd cheering]
["Fight" playing]
-["Worlds Apart" playing] -[crowd vocalizing]
[crowd] Let's go!
[Michael] Sami Zayn performing in front of family and friends here tonight
in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Remember the last time Sami Zayn performed in front of family and friends,
that was in Montreal when he battled Roman Reigns
for the undisputed championship.
[crowd cheering]
[bell ringing]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the undisputed
WWE Tag Team Championship.
Introducing the challenger--
[crowd booing]
Ladies and gentlemen,
my name is Paul Heyman.
Introducing the soon-to-be
new tag team champions.
First, from the Island of Relevancy,
The Sultan of the Spike,
ladies and gentlemen, this is Solo.
[crowd booing]
Ladies and gentlemen,
on his 1000th day
of a historic championship reign…
That's me. Me.
…the reigning, defending
Undisputed WWE
Universal Heavyweight champion,
Roman Reigns.
[crowd booing]
You don't wanna play?
So, you're a wise man now?
[Paul] That's how you do it.
Like that, that's how you start.
Magnificent.
And their opponents, the--
[speaking Arabic]
[crowd cheering]
[speaking Arabic]
[crowd cheering]
[speaking Arabic]
[crowd cheering]
[speaking Arabic]
[crowd cheering]
[speaking Arabic]
[crowd cheering]
[speaking Arabic]
[crowd cheering]
[speaking Arabic]
WWE, Kevin Owens…
[crowd cheering]
…with Sami Zayn.
[Michael] Much better than Mike Rome, much better.
[Graves] I didn't know Mike Rome spoke earlier.
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Sami Zayn says he wants to do nothing more
than ruin Roman Reigns' 1,000-day celebration as champion tonight
by beating Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa in this matchup.
Ladies and gentlemen, 12 of the top 15 hashtags
on Twitter right now has to do with Night of Champions.
[Graves] I was just looking, Cole. I think even you're trending.
[Michael] That can't be good. [chuckles]
[Michael] So here we go.
Owens-Zayn against Reigns-Sikoa for the Undisputed Tag Team titles.
[Graves] We're about to find out.
Do you think Solo begins this or does he defer to The Tribal Chief?
[Michael] I think that'll be Roman Reigns' decision.
[crowd chanting]
[Graves] And to your previous point about Sami Zayn spoiling Roman's day,
Sami needs to be focused on the task at hand
and that's retaining his championships,
surviving The Tribal Chief and The Enforcer.
[Michael] Well, Sami Zayn has admitted this is extremely personal.
He's still holding a lot of stuff in from his time with The Bloodline.
[Graves] And we've seen that get under the skin of Kevin Owens.
-[bell ringing] -[Graves] He just wants to fight.
He just wants to be a fighting champion alongside his long-time best friend.
[Michael] Yes. KO said, "I'm so sick of The Bloodline,
"so I dedicate this match to the two pillars of The Bloodline,
Jimmy and Jey Uso."
[crowd chanting]
[Graves] This atmosphere is something to behold.
We are partying here in Jeddah.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] It's what happens when the best of the world come to town.
[indistinct chatter]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Sami Zayn is going to feed off this emotional wave here tonight
at the Jeddah Superdome.
[Graves] Sami needs to ride that wave directly across the Island of Relevancy.
[Michael] Over a year ago, Sami Zayn approached Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.
Wanted to be a part of the family.
Worked his way into the group,
but, finally, after months of abuse,
decided to turn his back on The Tribal Chief.
[crowd chanting] Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn…
They wouldn't know who you are without me.
-[crowd chanting] -Oh they know.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] Well, Sami Zayn did call Roman Reigns a "psycho-manipulator."
[Roman] I should've never let him in.
I should've never let you in.
All you did was use.
Oh, all I did was use?
[Michael] But perhaps tonight it's Zayn who's the manipulator.
[crowd booing]
[Roman] What are you going to do, huh?
Let's go. Let's go.
[Michael] Special counsel better start earning his money
and get The Tribal Chief under control
because Roman's about to blow a gasket.
[Graves] Roman actually did the smart thing
and stepped to the outside, allowing Solo to handle business,
lest The Tribal Chief
makes some sort of error or mistake that could cost them
the opportunity to be champions again.
-[Solo shouts] -[crowd booing]
[indistinct chatter]
Every week, every month of the year, huh?
[Michael] Solo has been waiting in the wings,
playing Enforcer for The Bloodline.
Tonight is his moment, Corey, to step up to center stage.
[Graves] We've seen glimpses of the destruction
that Solo is capable of--
he's a very real threat to each and every superstar on the roster.
And when you've got Roman Reigns
essentially playing quarterback for this team,
that is a recipe for ultimate success.
[Michael] This is an incredible atmosphere at Night of Champions
-Hey. Come on. Let go. -[Michael] Undisputed tag team titles.
One. Two.
[Michael] When Zayn and Kevin Owens went from--
Oh, The Usos back at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Solo went for an early Spike and Sami able to avoid.
-[crowd cheering] -It's nothing.
[Kevin] Spear his ass.
Shake it off.
[Kevin] Stay on him.
[Graves] Reigns commanding Solo to shake it off.
-And the street champ now. -Two.
[Graves] Oh, my goodness.
Three. Four.
[Michael] Just teeing off on Zayn.
[crowd booing]
Come on. Let's go.
[Michael] Sami with an elbow stops Solo in his tracks.
Now Sami Zayn with another elbow, this time off the second rope.
[Graves] Solo down to one knee.
This is a great strategy if Owens and Zayn can implement.
Cut the ring in half.
Isolate Solo if possible,
and use steady teamwork to wear The Enforcer down.
[Michael] Well, and feed off the emotion
of this unbelievable audience here tonight, Corey.
And the thing for Roman and Solo is slow down the pace.
Take the crowd out of the match, if that's possible.
[Graves] If possible.
However, the WWE Universe needs to be cognizant of the fact
that it might just incite The Tribal Chief.
-[Michael] Kevin Owens. -[Graves] Roman is growing angrier…
-[Michael] Oh. -[Graves] …by the moment.
[Michael] That'll stop Kevin Owens in his track.
As Solo Sikoa glances back at Sami Zayn.
-One. -[Sami] Stay out of this.
-Two. -[Michael] Headbutt by Solo.
[crowd chants] Kevin Owens.
[Graves] Never a wise decision to throw hands with the street champ
as KO is finding out right now.
[Michael] The cheap shot. Roman Reigns said, "Uh-uh."
Chop by Owens.
Tag.
[Graves] Solo stood up and here comes Zayn.
[Michael] Nice drop toehold by Sami. The running senton by KO.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Fantastic teamwork by The Champions.
But look out, Reigns from behind.
[Michael] Picking his spot, a smile on his face.
[crowd booing]
-[Michael] And look what Roman did there. -[Graves] Oh.
[Michael] Look what Roman did there.
He completely brought Sami out of the game allowing Solo to get back in it.
Took all these fans out of this matchup and regained control.
[Graves] Sami was right.
Roman is a manipulator, but Roman does it in his own favor.
Case in point, what we just saw.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Just that quickly the tides have turned in favor of The Bloodline.
[Michael] And Roman Reigns.
The official, Dan Engler, dealing with Solo.
Roman Reigns taking advantage.
[kid] Go Reigns. Go Reigns. Go Reigns.
[crowd chanting] Let's go Sami! Let's go Sami! Let's go Sami!
[Graves] I'm curious to see now if Owens and Zayn can get back on track.
From the outset, they needed to be flawless.
A slam by Solo.
Oh, and a headbutt.
What we've seen thus far is The Bloodline playing chess
while The Champions are playing checkers.
[Michael] Oh, that's the reason that man standing on the apron
has been champion for 1,000 days.
That doesn't happen by accident.
You can complain all you want about the way Roman Reigns
has kept his titles, Corey, but it doesn't matter.
He's held them for almost three years.
[Graves] I'm not complaining.
My paychecks are a lot bigger with The Tribal Chief running the show.
[Michael] Headbutt by Solo.
And now The Bloodline has slowed the pace down.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] The Head of the Table is going to come into the ring and do some damage.
[indistinct chatter]
[Graves] At this point in his career,
Roman's confidence is almost otherworldly,
just dripping swagger.
Roman knows this is his WWE,
this is his business.
[Engler] One, two, three, four. Back it up.
[Michael] Using almost the full five.
Thank you. Okay. Come on.
Hey, don't you dare. Don't you dare.
Don't you dare. Come on. Get off the hair, come on.
[Michael] Oh.
Cover.
-[Engler] Shoulder's up. -What?
-Almost… -Shoulder's up?
-Shoulder is up. -That wasn't even close.
-I can't-- Well if his shoulders are down -You--
If his shoulders are on the ground…
[crowd booing]
[Graves] What we're seeing right now is The Tribal Chief playing with his food.
Roman didn't intend on pinning Sami for three
with the suplex and the forearm across the face.
It was an insult.
It's about insulting the man who betrayed him.
[Michael] Oh, and those chops by Sami insulting as well.
Roman delivered a right as he brushes off.
What do you think? You're The Nature Boy now?
No, no, no, no. Hey.
[Graves] Oh, my God.
[Michael] And now Solo just beating the hell out of Sami Zayn
right here at our announcer's table.
-Kevin Owens gets back into the fight. -[Graves] Look out. Oh. Come on.
Referee, Dan Engler, dealing with Roman in the ring.
What the hell is he doing?
[Graves] The size of the hands of Solo.
Like being punched in the face by a Thanksgiving turkey.
[Michael] One of the most intense men I've ever witnessed.
If you stare into the eyes of Solo Sikoa, you see nothing, blank.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] Roman continues to play mind games to mock Owens and Zayn.
This is what Roman does so well,
able to take his opponent out of their game.
[crowd chanting] Roman sucks. Roman sucks. Roman sucks
[Graves] The WWE Universe coming to life here behind Sami Zayn.
[Michael] Sami with a couple of rights.
And again, a right hand by Roman will drop Sami.
[crowd chanting] You suck. You suck. You suck…
[Michael] Here comes Solo.
And Roman doing a great job keeping Sami away,
isolating him from Kevin Owens.
Come on. Get out, Roman. Come on. You tagged. Let's go.
You know the rules.
[Graves] At this juncture, all KO can do is watch.
Uh-oh. Sami trying to make a break for the corner.
[Michael] Solo will not allow that to happen.
Intercepts Zayn.
[Kevin] Come on, Sami.
[Michael] Oh, and a Samoan drop.
[yells]
[speaking Samoan]
Tag team champions, bro.
Tag team champions.
[crowd chanting]
[Graves] Solo now applying a vice-like like grip
to the trapezius muscle of Sami Zayn.
[Michael] As the WWE fans try to rally Sami.
Fight through it. Fight through it. Fight through it.
[Michael] Kevin yelling at Sami to fight through it.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Solo using the pressure point so effectively.
Sami back to his feet, trying to create space.
Again, right outside in front of us, landing on our announcer's table.
-And Roman Reigns with… -[Graves] Oh, no.
[Michael] …another cheap shot.
Sami fighting back.
Sami Zayn fighting back on Roman.
[Michael] Solo sent right almost into our laps.
Now Sami's got a chance, got an opportunity to make a tag.
Can he get to Kevin Owens here?
[Graves] Sami Zayn has daylight for the first time in forever.
[Michael] And again, Solo intercepting.
[Graves] Solo deceptively fast for an athlete of his size.
Wasted little time cutting off
-Zayn's path to Owens. -[Michael] Oh, the cheap shot.
The superkick to the face drops Owens.
And now Sami Zayn with no one to tag.
And what?
Let's go.
[Michael] Sami blocks.
Now Sami building momentum.
Tornado DDT.
[Graves] Solo is down.
[Michael] But again, Kevin Owens was knocked off the apron
by the kick from Solo.
Now, Kevin climbs back up the steps.
He's there to make the tag.
Tag made to Roman Reigns.
Tag made to KO.
And here comes Owens.
Just keep fighting, Kevin.
[Graves] So much history between these two superstars.
[Michael] Oh, goes back to the early days of Roman Reigns' reign as champion.
Kevin Owens with a clothesline.
KO fired up.
Running senton.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] This was the jolt their team needed.
Kevin Owens now bringing the fight to The Tribal Chief.
[Michael] And Roman Reigns is reeling on his heels.
Superkick by Owens.
Roman dropped to the corner.
[Graves] Clear the deck.
[Michael] He was going to go for a cannonball.
Solo Sikoa sacrificing himself
so Roman Reigns can retaliate with a clothesline.
[crowd booing]
[Graves] And just that quickly, the tides turn again.
[Sami] Kevin.
[Michael] The selflessness of Solo Sikoa
allowed Roman Reigns to take control.
[Graves] Kevin Owens sending Solo to the outside,
the momentary distraction.
[Michael] Oh. Went for the Superman Punch.
Kevin Owens blocked momentarily.
Pop-up Powerbomb for the win to retain.
Kickout at two by Reigns.
[Graves] Owens wasting no time making the climb.
[Michael] KO to the top rope.
Reigns' middle of the ring.
Frog splash.
-Cover again. -[crowd] One, two…
[Michael] And another kickout by Roman.
The look of disbelief on the face of the Wise Man.
[Michael] It has been thunderous inside the Superdome in Jeddah
for the entire Night of Champions,
but the WWE fans have taken it to another level
in this Undisputed Tag Team Championship match.
Roman Reigns celebrating 1,000 days as the undisputed champion is reeling.
[Graves] Right now, Owens looking to do his best to play spoiler.
[Michael] Went for the stunner. Solo Sikoa.
Superman Punch.
-Cover. -[crowd] One, two…
[Michael] KO kicks out.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Take a look at the impact on the Superman Punch
rearranging KO's teeth, but Owens survives.
Don't talk to them. Come on.
-[Paul] Don't talk? -Don't talk to them, sir.
[indistinct chatter]
I'm going to be the tag team champion now.
[Engler] Stay out of this.
I'm going to be the tag team champions now,
do you understand me?
I'm going to be-- I got all the titles.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] Sami Zayn said it isn't enough for Roman Reigns
to just be the Undisputed Champion.
He needs to come take the tag team gold as well.
But that's what drives Roman Reigns, to be the greatest of all time.
[Graves] Money, glory, power.
-Ooh-aah! -[crowd] Ooh-aah!
[Michael] Went for the spear. Kevin Owens met him with a kick.
Stunner.
-[Graves] Oh. -[Michael] Spear.
Nearly spearing Owens out of his boots.
[Graves] The Tribal Chief operating on instinct alone.
Take another look at this exchange.
Stunner by Owens, and The Tribal Chief answers
with a spear that nearly put KO in half.
[indistinct chatter]
[Michael] They are rumbling in Jeddah.
[Paul] Reach for your starter.
-[indistinct chatter] -[Michael] Solo to the corner.
-Sami to the corner. -Reach for the tag.
Reigns and Owens trying to make it to their feet, make tags.
Critical point of the matchup.
Solo, Sami, legal.
[Graves] Zayn the quicker of the two beating Solo to the punch,
and Zayn is teeing off.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Sami springboard off the bottom rope.
Solo knocked over the top.
Like that national bird.
The falcon, Sami Zayn, flies and takes out Sikoa.
-[kid] Let's go, Sami. -[Graves] But at what cost to himself?
Sami Zayn took an extra few seconds to recover
after delivering this fantastic dive to the outside, taking out Solo.
[Michael] Sending Solo back in the ring,
looking to take advantage of the damage that was done.
Solo misses widely.
Oh, no. Sami Zayn, Blue Thunder Bomb.
Cover. Shoulders down and a kickout at two.
[crowd chanting] Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn.
[Graves] Look at this.
An impressive power display by Sami Zayn, of all people,
the Blue Thunder Bomb, and at two and nine-tenths Solo escapes.
[Michael] The longer this match goes, who's it favor?
[Graves] Sami Zayn has never been afraid to take a match into deep water.
Nor has Kevin Owens.
It hasn't been necessary yet for Solo, and Reigns can go all day.
I don't have an honest answer for you.
I think the real winner is the WWE Universe.
[Michael] And Sami Zayn's in position
as Solo Sikoa tries to drag himself up at the corner.
Sami Zayn looking for the move that won him the tag team titles.
Went for the Helluva Kick. Ran into a superkick by Solo.
Looking for the Samoan Spike.
Sami countered.
Exploder.
Oh, no. Solo's in trouble.
[Michael] Helluva Kick.
-Sami Zayn for the win. -[crowd] One, two…
[Michael] Roman Reigns saving the matchup.
[Graves] A desperate Roman Reigns keeping the matchup alive.
Roman, hey. You made your save…
-Shut your mouth. -Roman, hey.
Roman. Get off. Hey. Get out the ring.
[Michael] Now Roman is teeing off on Zayn.
-Shut your mouth. -[Michael] A frustrated Roman.
You made your save. Now, get out. That's your save. Get out.
[Graves] The referee trying to warn Roman but--
[Michael] Well, Roman is not the legal man.
Roman made the save of the matchup and never made a tag.
The official letting a lot go in this matchup.
Zayn almost ran into the referee.
-[Graves] Oh! -[Michael] Spear to the official.
What's wrong with this guy?
Dan Engler may be out cold.
Hey.
[Graves] We see, again, obviously, unintentional contact,
Reigns was gunning for Sami Zayn and instead took out our official.
But now, keep your eyes on Zayn.
[Michael] Sami is locked and loaded.
Superman Punch to Roman.
[Graves] The Tribal Chief is down.
Sami now has acquired his target.
Superman Punch from Roman.
KO with a spear.
Roman's own offense being used against him.
There's no official, all hell has broken loose.
[Graves] Reigns in retreat,
and Owens dribbling Roman's skull off the announce desk.
[Michael] Now into the steps.
[Graves] KO surveying the scene,
looking for weapons of opportunity.
[Michael] Why one table when you got two?
[Graves] What does KO have in store for The Tribal Chief?
-[Michael] Oh, wait a minute. -[Graves] Jimmy and Jey.
[Michael] The Usos are here.
Jimmy and Jey attacking Kevin Owens.
Again, there's no official to see any of this.
KO was about to do damage to Roman.
His cousins, Jimmy and Jey, saving The Tribal Chief.
[Graves] And KO now just being a victim of a mugging.
They just put the announce desk on Owens.
[Michael] The Usos burying Kevin Owens,
now turning their attention to Sami Zayn.
[Graves] Sami is outnumbered.
[Michael] Superkick.
Superkick.
-Oh, no. -[Graves] Oh, no.
[Michael] Oh, my God.
[crowd cheering]
Why are you here?
Who told you to come here.
We're just trying to help you out.
Look.
Uce, chill.
We're just trying to help.
-You touching me? -We're just trying to help, man.
-You can't help nobody. Why are you here? -We're just trying to help.
Why are you touching me?
Let it go, Uce.
-I always touch you. -Now you wanna…
-I always touch you. -There ain't no day one no more.
There ain't no day one no more. You understand me?
Get out of my ring.
-[Michael] Oh, no! -[crowd cheering]
Jimmy just superkicked Roman.
[Graves] Jimmy, what did you do?
Whatchu doing? Whatchu doing?
Why did you do that?
Hey.
You can't do that, you hear me?
You got to do better than that?
Why you do that?
Come on, man!
Let's go!
Listen to me. Listen to me.
Listen to me, Uce.
I'm doing what you should've done a long time ago.
I got you.
-[Graves] Oh, my God. -[crowd cheering]
[screaming]
Come on!
It's me and you now.
We the ones, not him.
I'm your brother, not him.
I would never do you like that.
I would never treat you like that, I'm your brother.
We got to go.
Uce, we got to go.
We gotta go.
Come on.
Come on, Uce. We gotta go.
[crowd cheering]
Let's go.
-We got to go, Uce. -[Jey screams]
[Jimmy] We got to go. Come on, Uce.
Come on.
[Michael] The Usos have gone and done it now.
Solo is back to his feet.
Kevin Owens with a stunner.
Solo Sikoa, remember, he's the legal man in all this.
Helluva Kick by Sami.
-Here's the cover. -[crowd] One, two, three.
[Michael] But there's no official.
-[Graves] Now, there is. -[crowd] One, two, three.
-[Michael] Sami and Kevin retain. -[bell rings]
[Rome] Here are your winners and still the undisputed
WWE Tag Team Champions,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Graves] Cole, what the hell we did just see?
What did we just see? What did The Usos just do?
[Jey] What you do?
What you do?
[Michael] As Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn celebrate
and Roman Reigns tries to figure out what the hell happened,
the question is,
has The Bloodline finally imploded?
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Well, again, ladies and gentlemen, this was…
The Usos came to help out Roman and Solo.
Get out of my way!
[Michael] They took Solo out, Roman upset.
Jimmy delivered a superkick.
I guess it finally all caught up…
I got you.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] …to Jimmy Uso,
and as his brother Jey looked on.
[Graves] A Helluva Kick to Solo and still.
[crowd] One, two, three.
-[crowd cheering] -[bell rings]
[Michael] Is the damage irreparable?
Was it the superkick or superkicks
that ended a dynasty?
As Kevin and Sami celebrate.
Good night, everybody, from Night of Champions
in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
You want them?
You can't have them.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[upbeat music playing]
[Michael] From the Banks of the Red sea, the cradle of civilization,
you are looking live at the Jeddah Superdome.
[Graves] It is a night where we will experience a triple main event.
[Michael] The new World Heavyweight Champion will be crowned.
Seth Rollins, AJ Styles look to make history in Saudi Arabia.
[singer] ♪ Yeah Those lips never miss point blank ♪
♪ One kiss puttin' money in the bank ♪
♪ I’m yours till they dig my grave ♪
♪ Until that day I'll be your prizefighter ♪
♪ I ain't ever gonna tire ♪
♪ Gonna face that fire all night ♪
♪ I'm gonna win 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
[Michael] Wait a minute. Zoey Stark with the Z-360.
Stratusfaction.
[singer] ♪ Face that fire all night ♪
♪ I'm gonna win 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
♪ I'll be your prizefighter ♪
♪ I ain't ever gonna tire ♪
♪ Gonna face that fire all night ♪
♪ I'm gonna win 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
♪ I'll be your prizefighter ♪
♪ I ain't ever gonna tire ♪
♪ Gonna face that fire all night ♪
♪ I'm gonna win 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
You don't stand an absolute chance.
[Michael] Dominik created the distraction
Rhea Ripley retains the Women's Championship.
[singer] ♪ I'm gonna win 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
♪ 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
♪ I'm gonna win 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
♪ 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
♪ I'm gonna win 'Cause I got you ringside ♪
[Michael] Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
look to retain their titles against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.
[upbeat music playing]
[singer] ♪ Ain't nobody ever goin' half-speed ♪
♪ Ain't nobody ever gonna pass me ♪
♪ Everything I got, always on the line ♪
♪ Every day a hill that I gotta climb ♪
♪ Any minute could be the minute I'll make it ♪
♪ You're gonna have to kill me If you wanna take it ♪
♪ Brace for impact, I'm runnin' in ♪
♪ We gonna tear it down And then do it again ♪
♪ Everybody wanna be the GOAT now ♪
♪ Everybody lookin' for the dope sound ♪
♪ Play to win While you play the fool ♪
♪ Hard work beats luck, homie That's the rule ♪ t ♪